The Role of the Junior School Librarian

St George’s Junior School's library is a dynamic environment for inspiration, creativity, and fun. Leading this vital space is Brette Phebus, the Junior School Librarian, whose passion for inspiring a love of reading has transformed the lives of many students. Originally from the United States, Brette brings a wealth of experience, holding degrees in Early Childhood Education and Library Sciences. Her journey to St George’s began with a placement during her master’s studies at the University of Strathclyde, and she has been inspiring young readers here ever since.

"World Book Day is the best day ever. Last year, I dressed up as the Snow Queen from Narnia. I loved dressing up as a character from my favourite book and seeing what everyone else came as. This year, I’m thinking about being Alice from Alice in Wonderland." P5 pupil*

A Week in the Life of the Librarian

"I love coming to the library because there are so many books to pick from. I just read this book called Pages & Co. and it’s about a girl who can jump into different books. It was so cool! There’s something really special about having so many different kinds of stories all in one place." P5 pupil*

Brette’s role is multifaceted, encompassing weekly 40-minute lessons for each class from P1 to P5 and 30-minute sessions for nursery students. Her dedication doesn’t stop there. She supervises the library during breaks and lunches helping students explore and borrow books. Beyond the classroom, she runs popular after-school reading clubs, such as:

• Storytime Club: Designed for younger students, this club features a story reading session followed by crafts or colouring activities.
• Book Club: Focused on P4 and P5 students, the club explores a chapter book over a term, paired with engaging activities.
• Poetry Club: A new addition where students can explore the beauty of language through poems.

“The students love the clubs,” Brette shared. “Even if they don’t consider themselves readers at first, they eventually find something they connect with.”

Shaping Young Readers and Promoting Literacy in Primary Education

"My favourite time in the library was before Christmas when we pretended to ride on the Polar Express. We got little train tickets, and we all sat together while the story was read out loud. It felt like we were really there on the train. It was so much fun" P5 pupil*

Brette also runs the Student Librarian Programme, where girls from each year group assist with library tasks and event planning. From selecting the weekly “Book of the Week” to designing creative displays, the programme empowers girls to speak up with their ideas and to take an active role in their library.

Reading Initiatives for Early Learners

The Junior School library at St George’s hosts an array of events that highlight the joy of reading:

• Author Visits: Notable authors, including Elle McNicoll, the school’s Patron of Reading, regularly inspire students through engaging talks and workshops.
• World Book Day: Celebrated with enthusiasm and creativity, students come to school dressed as characters from books. There’s always an engaging author visit and lots of literacy activities throughout the day.
• World Nursery Rhyme Week: Activities like teaching skipping rope rhymes integrate literacy into play, creating lasting memories. “It was wonderful to see students using the rhymes months later,” Brette noted.
• Book Fair: Partnering with Scholastic, this event invites families to explore and purchase books, with proceeds supporting library resources.

Developing a Love for Reading

For Brette, the library is a sanctuary where students can discover the joy of reading without the pressure of the classroom. “Learning to read is hard, and it can be a struggle,” she said. “The library is a place where they can have positive experiences with books and feel like readers.” She recalled one student who, after years of avoiding books, became an avid reader after discovering children’s graphic novels. “It’s about finding the right book for each student,” Brette explained.

"I remember this one time at the library when an author came to visit. She made the visit so much fun because we got to play games. There were two teams, and my friend Ava had to wear wolf gloves. I had to run and grab bubbles one at a time and bring them to her, and she had to put them on a Christmas tree. The other team had to throw balls at their blindfolded teammate! It was so funny and exciting. I love how the library always has these cool things to do." P5 pupil*

Get Involved

The library’s activities are shared on the school’s Instagram, where parents and the community can follow along in events like World Book Day. Brette’s dedication to creating a nurturing environment for young readers ensures that the library remains at the heart of the St George’s Junior School experience.

“It’s not just about books,” Brette said. “It’s about creating a lifelong love for learning and imagination.”

Follow the library’s journey on Instagram and discover how St George’s is inspiring the next generation of readers.

*Student experiences in this section are paraphrased from student interviews.