Since starting as the school library lead in March, I have had the pleasure of getting to know our wonderful branch network, and all the events and activities they offer to members. The summer term was no exception, with fantastic events held across London, Gloucestershire, West Midlands, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Sussex and Norfolk and Suffolk. I’d like to extend an enormous thank you to all the volunteers who work to support our branches. I know your hard work is valued by your members, and us here at the SLA.
In Surrey, the last branch meeting saw Emlyn Roberts-Harry, library manager at Wallingham County Grammar School, host a beginners' Dungeons & Dragons session for school librarians who were curious about the game but had little or no experience of playing it themselves.
Emlyn took on the role of Dungeon Master – a narrator, guide and referee, responsible for creating the world and presenting challenges while players work together to shape the story through their characters' actions and decisions.
Reflecting on the session, Cathi Woods wrote:
"At its heart, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is collaborative storytelling. Players create characters, solve problems, negotiate with one another, make decisions and respond creatively to unexpected situations. Throughout a single session participants are constantly drawing on imagination, communication skills, empathy, role-playing and teamwork.
The literacy connections are immediately apparent. Players engage deeply with narrative structure, character development and world-building. Many become inspired to read fantasy fiction, mythology and folklore, or to explore sourcebooks and supplementary materials connected to the game. The discussions and storytelling that emerge around the table are rich examples of authentic language use and creative expression.
There are also strong links to numeracy. Players regularly use probability, mental arithmetic and strategic thinking as they calculate outcomes, interpret statistics and assess risks. What might otherwise feel like abstract mathematical concepts become meaningful within the context of the game.
Perhaps most significantly, D&D provides a welcoming social space. It encourages participation from students with a wide range of interests and strengths, offering opportunities to build confidence, develop friendships and contribute to a shared creative experience. Every player brings something different to the table, whether that is storytelling, problem-solving, humour or leadership.
To say I have added Dungeon Master to my librarian skill set might be stretching things, but I now have a much greater appreciation of the game, of why it resonates with so many young people, and its educational potential."
Cathi shared some recommendations for books that could be used to inspire games, including Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast Trilogy, Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin, and Tolkien's Middle-earth lore. There are many other role-playing games (RPG) you could try in the library, including Call of Cthulhu, Good Society: a Jane Austen Role-Playing Game, Star Wars and The Storymaster's Tales.
In Hertfordshire, members enjoyed a session at Kings Langley School exploring the potential of comics and Manga in the school library. Lucy Forrester, comics and Manga specialist at Peters books, gave a presentation covering a lot of ground, exploring the variety of genres and art styles within the comics form and their appeal to readers; the value of comics/graphic novels as a literacy tool to broaden vocabulary and enhance decoding skills; and advice on starting or expanding your library’s comics collection.
Lucy also incorporated a section on Manga, including content and age guides. In the second session Jane Hill, KLS librarian, delivered a comprehensive presentation full of best practice tips and tricks, drawing on her own experience of managing a highly popular comics and Manga collection in her school library. Jane is an Excelsior Award judge and shared her insights into how to make the most of this national award.
"It was another great meeting filled to the brim with amazing books, useful information, discussion and of course spending time with other wonderful librarians," said Michelle Gregory, of Roundwood Park School and Townsend School.