Children’s Books about the Library for National Library Day 2024

These children’s books about the library are great for elementary teachers and librarians to read aloud to students at the beginning of the school year, National Library Day, or really any time of the school year. Some teachers use these books about the library as National Library Week books for April or spring read alouds, but none of them were strictly created for that purpose. Each of these picture books about the library feature library settings but do not mention National Library Day or Week. Be sure to check out the list below for quality children’s books about the library!

4 Children’s Books about the Library

Below are 4 quality books about the library. Your students are going to love these read alouds!

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp

In Madeline Finn and the Library Dog, Madeline Finn does not like reading of any kind. She has a hard time figuring out the words and makes mistakes. When she reads out loud in class, students giggle. Madeline’s teacher gives out stars to students that are good readers and she never gets one. Instead, Madeline gets a heart that says keep trying.

One day at the library, Madeline is introduced to a dog named Bonnie. The librarian suggests Madeline pick out a book read to Bonnie. When she is reading with Bonnie, Madeline is not nervous. Bonnie is patient and lets Madeline figure out the words. Every Saturday, Madeline visits the library and reads to Bonnie. When it is time to read out loud in class again, Madeline is nervous. She thinks of Bonnie as she is reading and reads all the way to the bottom of the page! Madeline finally earns a star for her reading and can’t wait to show it to Bonnie who has a surprise, too: puppies!

Check out these Madeline Finn and The Library Dog activities!

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

One day, a lion made his way into a library in the book Library Lion. Mr. McBee, who worked in the library, raced to tell the librarian Miss Merriweather. She explained since he was not breaking any rules, the lion could stay. He made himself comfortable and enjoyed the story hour with the children. As the days went by, people grew used to seeing the lion in the library and he was very helpful. He licked envelopes for Miss Merriweather, dusted, and helped children reach books on tall shelves.

When Miss Merriweather was reaching for a book on a high shelf, she fell to the ground. The lion ran to get help from Mr. McBee and had to roar as loud as he could to get his attention. When Mr. McBee heard the roar, he raced to tell Miss Merriweather. The lion knew he had broken the rules and left the library. Everyone missed the lion and Mr. McBee set out to find him. He explained to the lion that sometimes rules can be broken, like when you are trying to help a friend that is hurt. 

Check out these Library Lion activities!

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise

In Planting Stories, Pura Belpre was the first Puerto Rican Librarian in New York City. When she started working the library, she realized that there weren’t any of the stories and folktales that she was familiar with in Puerto Rico. She decides to share her stories during story hour and through puppet shows, and eventually publishes a book.

Pura travels across the country and from classroom to classroom planting her story seeds and educating about her homeland. When she returns to the library, she sees that her story seeds have bloomed and everyone is telling her stories.

Students will love learning about Pura and how she shared her stories with children everywhere. This story will quickly become one of your and your students’ favorite children’s books about the library.

Check out these Planting Stories activities!

Bats at the Library by Brian Lies

One night, the bats are bored in the book Bats at the Library. When word spreads that a window had been left open at the library, they decide to have a little fun inside. Some bats look at the books on the shelves, while others hang out by lamps, and some play games. Many of the bats even enjoy a storytime, which sucks them right into the story. Finally, the bats must leave, but they are already looking forward to their next trip to the library!

Check out these Bats at the Library activities!

If you are looking for book-based lessons and worksheets, then check out these Starts With a Story resources below! They include reading comprehension questions, SEL lesson ideas, grammar teaching points, writing prompts, and much more.

Grab the Free Reading Resources!

We hope you found this list of children’s books about the library helpful! Most of the books on this list are part of my Starts With a Story collection. If you want to get more book ideas to read aloud to your elementary students, then grab this reading freebie. It includes read aloud books lists, reading logs, and reading challenges for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classroom teachers. It will have you covered for the entire school year, as well as the summer months! Grab this free elementary reading packet now!