ideas for your school library

I wear many hats. Aside from being a wife, mom, freelance writer and interior designer I’m also a volunteer librarian!

I won’t go into all the details …but basically our library is shaped like an octagon with lots of windows all around (even skylights above). Because of how the library is used now, compared to when it was first constructed (several decades ago) there are a couple of windows that we no longer want or need. But what to do when we librarians have a very limited budget? The goal is to spend on books for the kids, not on decor, staffing or construction materials, if we can help it. Then it hit me: Chalkboard paint!

Not only could I paint it myself but the supplies are affordable enough that I could contribute them. Plus it would also be visually fun for the kids and a great way for the staff to advertise the library’s theme of the month or upcoming events like our book fair.

To be honest I was a little worried about how the paint would adhere to the windows. So I made sure to prep them by thoroughly washing them, then using (high grit) sandpaper to slightly scuff up the window followed by another cleaning to make sure they were free of dust. It took three coats to properly cover. I let it cure and the next day I wiped the entire dry painted surface with chalk and used a clean dry rag to both rub in and wipe the chalk all over the surface.

I just completed the project yesterday – I apologize for the two bad photos which I quickly snapped using my phone (I will try and get better ones next week), but I think you get the idea. In our story-time area where we read to the children I drew two popular book characters -yes, I drew The Cat In The Hat and Clifford, not too shabby for someone who is NOT AT ALL an artist!. The other side of the window is also painted with chalkboard paint, and that’s where the staff can write announcement, events or messages.