Years ago, I set up a bookshelf at our church filled with amazing books. I had big hopes and dreams: kids would pick up these books, read them, enjoy them, maybe even take them home? I lovingly put stickers on the inside of each cover, inviting kids and families to treat this bookshelf like their own little library. But honestly? That didn’t happen. Nothing really happened…
The bookshelf sat there, unused and untouched. The books started to actually collect dust. I was so confused. This felt like a no brainer to me, but it didn’t work out the way I imagined it would. Until… I added a kid-sized chair. That’s it. That was the missing piece. A small chair feels more inviting, more appealing to kids. And now it works! Kids sit and read these books. They do take them home, and bring them back. I accidently created a little “Book Nook” at our church where kids feel welcome in a space built just for them, and you could too!
Getting Started
First, where in your church do people gather? Where do conversations happen? Picture this: parents or grandparents are chatting and connecting, but their kids are bored, tugging on their arms, and begging to go home. THAT is the place in your church where you need a little book nook. I have heard parents in my church say, “Read one book, let me finish this conversation, and then we can go…” It’s a gift to the kids, and it’s also a gift to the adults in our church.
Filling it with some books
Second, put up a bookshelf with *some* books. Not all the books. Just some. I like to rotate the books seasonally. A Christmas book in November or December will attract kids in a special way, while a Christmas book in July does not have the same appeal. A book about Easter in the spring is exciting! A book about Easter in the fall looks out of place. Rotate some of the books seasonally to engage kids all year round.
The Invitation
Third, add the chair! Or a small table with a few chairs. Maybe a beanbag chair or video game chair that sits right on the floor. You can buy something new or ask a few parents of teenagers. (They probably have a chair their teenagers have grown out of that would be perfect for younger kids…) . A fun rug, a cushion or two and your book nook is ready!
If nothing else, a children’s book nook speaks volumes:
Yes, kids, you are welcome here!
We have been thinking about you…
We picked this chair out just for you…
Here are some books we think you might like...
This is your space... You are welcome here!
Here are some books to start filling your Book Nook Space:
Check out more at Beaming Books!