Librarians Building Libraries

The JAMS Library Project continues! Phase Two is here: comfy furniture, more books students love, & better library tools. We’re not done yet—help us keep building!

Blog: bldglibraries.substack.com/p/were-back-...

@librarianjones.com @captainlibrary.bsky.social @andreatrudeau.bsky.social

Love to see this!!

Partnerships Making a Difference: Kids Discover As we worked to transform the library and the library experience for students at Jane Adeney Memorial School, we knew we could not do it alone.

Big thanks to @kidsdiscover.bsky.social for being part of our buildinglibraries.org journey! Their engaging nonfiction inspires curious minds every day.

Read more: bldglibraries.substack.com/p/partnershi... (link in bio)

Our time at Jane Adeny Memorial School in Kenya has come to an end, but the memories will stay with us. Grateful to Dr. Wasonga for her warm welcome and powerful vision.

The song playing? That’s the girls singing their school song—I recorded it during our visit.

Our time at JAMS in Kenya has come to an end, but the memories will stay with us forever. We’re so grateful to Dr. Wasonga for welcoming us and for reminding us that difficult roads often lead to the most beautiful places.

Listening and Watching From the Library, For the Library We came in with a plan.

New LBL blog: We came in with a plan—but the students at JAMS showed us what they really needed. Here’s how we reimagined the library to be simple, sustainable, and student-centered.

bldglibraries.substack.com/p/listening-...

At JAMS in Kenya, we’ve seen firsthand how school libraries can become sanctuaries of healing as well as learning. In response to the need for emotional support for students, we created a Calming Corner—an inviting space designed to promote mental well-being.
Blog: open.substack.com/pub/bldglibr...

School library bookshelves with a rubber duck reading a book amongst shelved books and books on display.

It was such an honor to participate in @lieberrian.bsky.social's program Ducks 4 Laryssa in memory of her sister. If you find yourself at a library somewhere in the world, you can post your own ducky pic here: sites.google.com/view/ducks4l...

#ducks4laryssa #bldglibraries #internationallibraries

Look for the Helpers (part 2) Earlier, we shared some of the amazing people that made this trip possible, but there are others that we want to mention.

We’ve been busy in these final days at JAMS in Kenya, but the blog is back!

Look for the Helpers (Part 2) is now live—catch up on what’s been happening and meet the incredible people making a difference.

Read here: open.substack.com/pub/bldglibr...

We introduced the girls to our new color-coded library system and checkout process today! Open house with art + story hour is on for the next two days from 4:30–6PM. They’re also letting us know what books they want next!

We took a walk down the road from the school. Kenya is beautiful! @bldglibraries.bsky.social

Today, each student chose a rose quartz ❤️ from our collection. Known for symbolizing love, peace, and compassion, these offer a gentle reminder to breathe and be present. With exams underway, we encouraged students to keep them close—maybe in a pocket—to bring a moment of calm whenever they need it.

Today, each student chose a rose quartz ❤️ from our collection. Known for symbolizing love, peace, and compassion, these offer a gentle reminder to breathe and be present. With exams underway, we encouraged students to keep them close—maybe in a pocket—to bring a moment of calm whenever they need it.

Hard at work and loving every minute of it! Today we’ve been busy labeling books for the library at JAMS in Kenya—getting each one ready to inspire, empower, and educate. Every sticker is a step toward building something beautiful for this incredible community. #LibraryLove #BooksChangeLives

Today we visited the Masolo family and the Jane-Pauline Audi Research Library, a community library they run from their home in memory of their daughter. Out of heartbreak, they’ve built something full of hope, love, and purpose.

Took a break to read under the Kenyan sun—books, breeze, and absolutely zero emails.

We work hard, we play hard, but it’s just as important to slow down and enjoy the world around you.

Photos courtesy of a student at JAMS. #NextStyle

#ReadingInKenya #LibraryLifeUnplugged

Saturday nights are for dancing like nobody’s watching… because tomorrow we alphabetize like everybody is! 🕺📚💃

#LibraryLife #WorkHardShelfHard

She is a retired librarian from the U.S. who helped fund the building in which the library is housed!

Our latest blog: “Wonderland”
A former student called it stunning. A school director called it inspiring. The founder called it Wonderland.

See how a rural Kenyan school library was transformed—with trust, vision, and heart.

bldglibraries.substack.com/p/wonderland...

Students play Clue

Students work on magnetic sorting puzzles.

Student coloring

Students working together on a puzzle

“If you build it, they will come.” And they did—big time! 🤩

Today, the JAMS library was alive with energy! Students browsed and checked out books, played games, colored, relaxed, and connected with friends. It wasn’t just a library—it was the place to be.

#JAMSReads #BldgLibraries #TLsky

Look for the Helpers (part 1) Many have heard of the Mr.

“Look for the Helpers (Part 1)”
Some of the most powerful helpers have been the kids themselves—showing up to sort books, share stories, and speak out. It is their library too, and they have every right to be a part of building and protecting it.

🔗 Read the blog: open.substack.com/pub/bldglibr...

Check out our latest blog post, “Hidden Gems,” about rethinking what we give and how it makes kids feel. We highlight the new and rediscovered books now proudly on display in the school library.
bldglibraries.substack.com/p/hidden-gem...

Children's Literature Legacy Award winner Nikki Grimes keeps right on being a legend.

A library shelve filled with books from end to end

Library shelves with books on display

A little taste of before & after at the Jane Adeny Memorial School Library. My heart is singing today—especially as we hear and see the reactions of library patrons. They are so excited for all of these books! Front-facing materials for the win! 🙌 @bldglibraries.bsky.social #BuildingLibraries #TLsky

It was my distinct pleasure! So glad I could contribute to the wonderful work you and your team are doing. You are a gift!

We are deeply grateful to award-winning author @poetnikki.bsky.social for her generous donation to JAMS in Kenya. Her powerful stories and poems now line the shelves of the school’s library, inspiring young readers. Thanks a Million, Nikki, for investing in the minds and 💕 of the next generation.

Are you curious about the work we are doing in Kenya? Subscribe to the @bldglibraries.bsky.social Substack—details below! #TLsky #BuildingLibraries

Seeing the starting point It is their library.

Our 4th post is live: “Seeing the Starting Point”
In this piece, we reflect on what it means to truly see—the people, the challenges, the possibilities—as we do this work.

Read it here:
open.substack.com/pub/bldglibr...

Learn all about this amazing effort by 3 selfless #schoollibrarians! apple.co/4iqLVqY
@librarianjones.com @captainlibrary.bsky.social @andreatrudeau.bsky.social

Flowers found on the campus of the Jane Adeny Memorial School! #Kenya