February is full of familiar reading and library moments that schools and public libraries can easily build activity around. With simple planning and small ideas, these moments can lead to meaningful engagement with pupils, families and local communities.
This guide walks through the key February dates and offers realistic ideas you can adapt to your own library setting.
Ideas to support reading and engagement
Library Lovers Month – All of February 2026
Library Lovers Month gives you the freedom to celebrate libraries in a way that suits your space.
Ideas for all libraries
- Create a why I love my library display
- Run a simple reading challenge
- Share staff book recommendations
- Highlight library services people may not know about
You can spread activities across the month so nothing feels rushed.
National Storytelling Week – 2 to 8 February 2026
National Storytelling Week is a chance to put stories at the centre of library life.
Ideas for school libraries
- Invite pupils to retell a favourite story
- Create a storytelling corner with cushions and themed books
- Link storytelling to literacy lessons or creative writing
Ideas for public libraries
- Run short storytelling sessions for different age groups
- Invite a local author or storyteller
- Create a display celebrating traditional and modern stories
Even something as simple as a daily story recommendation can make this week feel special.
World Read Aloud Day – 5 February 2026
World Read Aloud Day encourages shared reading and the enjoyment of hearing stories read aloud.
Ideas for school libraries
- Ask teachers or older pupils to read to younger classes
- Highlight books that work well for reading aloud
- Create a simple read aloud timetable for the day
Ideas for public libraries
- Host short read aloud sessions during the day
- Encourage families to read together at home
- Share favourite read aloud titles on social media
This day works well when the focus is on participation rather than performance.
Take Your Child to the Library Day – 7 February 2026
This day is all about welcoming families and helping children feel comfortable using the library.
Ideas for school libraries
- Invite parents into the library before or after school
- Show families how children use the library during lessons
- Create a simple take home reading guide
Ideas for public libraries
- Offer a relaxed family drop in session
- Run a short library tour for new users
- Create a children’s welcome display
First impressions matter. This is a great opportunity to make the library feel friendly and accessible.
Library Lovers Day and International Book Giving Day – 14 February 2026
These two events work well together and focus on appreciation and sharing.
Ideas for libraries
- Encourage book donations or swaps
- Share book recommendations from staff and users
- Highlight how libraries support access to reading
- Thank your users with bookmarks or reading lists
This is a good moment to remind communities that libraries are built on sharing and generosity.
Making February easier with the right library system
Many of the ideas shared above rely on knowing your collection well, promoting the right books at the right time, and spending less time on admin and more time with readers.
That is where a well designed library management system makes a real difference.
Hedgehog and 247lib.com are used by school and public libraries to manage collections efficiently, promote reading, and support engagement throughout the year. From tracking popular titles to creating themed displays and supporting reading initiatives, the right system helps libraries turn moments like those in February into meaningful activity.
If your library is planning events, displays or reading campaigns this February, having clear insight into your stock and users can save time and reduce pressure on staff.
Libraries already using Hedgehog and 247lib.com find it easier to stay organised, highlight their collections, and focus on what matters most: encouraging reading and supporting their communities.
Get in touch
Visit www.247lib.com to learn more about our library management systems, or contact our team to discuss how we can support your library.
Call us on 01256 300790.
