Think about the last time you got lost in a book—the kind you couldn’t put down. Maybe it was a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming novel, or a deep dive into a topic you love. Now, imagine being handed a book you had no say in choosing. Would you feel the same excitement? Would you be eager to turn the pages?
A love of reading begins with a spark—an exciting story, a fascinating topic, or a character that feels like a friend. But as students grow older, that spark often dims. A recent Scholastic poll found that while 70% of young readers (ages 6-8) enjoy reading for fun, engagement drops sharply by the teenage years—only 46% of 12-17-year-olds say they like reading, and just 18% read frequently.
Why does this happen? A mix of factors contributes to the decline:
- Lack of Access to Relevant Books – Students struggle to find books that reflect their interests and experiences.
- Shift in Academic Priorities – With increased focus on testing, independent reading often takes a backseat, especially as students get older.
- Inconsistent Reading Habits – As structured reading time decreases, motivation fades.
The solution? Make reading personal.
A Library Built for Engagement
The new Personalized Library transforms reading from a task into an experience by tailoring book recommendations to each student’s unique interests. Instead of relying solely on a basic search tool, the updated design creates a curated, interest-driven collection that makes finding the next great book easier and more exciting.
How It Works: Smart Features for Smart Readers
Personalized Onboarding
- Students select their favorite topics (e.g., adventure, history, entertainment, etc.) to shape their book recommendations.
Curated Library Sections
- Highlighted Books Carousel – A rotating display of trending books from the student’s top interests.
- Recommended Based on Interests – A top 10 list of books aligned with the student’s favorite topics, ranked by popularity.
- Popular Books – A top 10 list of trending titles across all topics, based on recent engagement.
- Similar to the Last Book – A curated list of books that share themes or genres with the student’s most recently completed book.
- Top Titles in Each Interest – Five lists showcasing the top books in each student’s preferred categories.
This intuitive, visually dynamic design eliminates search fatigue and replaces it with the excitement of discovering books that truly resonate.
Why Personalization Matters
- Choice Fuels Engagement: When students have access to books that reflect their interests, they’re more likely to read—and read often. Personalized recommendations create an immediate connection between the reader and the material.
- A Structured Yet Fun Experience: The Personalized Library keeps reading organized, inviting, and accessible, helping students navigate choices quickly and effortlessly. Rather than aimlessly searching, they can dive into books they’re eager to read in mere seconds.
- Reading for Enjoyment = Academic Success: Research consistently shows that students who read for pleasure develop: Stronger literacy skills, improved comprehension, and better critical thinking & vocabulary development. In fact, reading for enjoyment predicts long-term academic success more effectively than socioeconomic status. The more students read, the better they perform—not just in English but across all subjects.
- Beyond Academics: Lifelong Benefits: Reading isn’t just about school—it’s about building confidence, fostering creativity, and developing empathy. Students who develop a love for reading early on carry that passion into adulthood, shaping their ability to connect with the world around them.
A Library That Grows With Students
The Personalized Library is more than just a tool—it’s a reading companion that evolves with students as their interests change and grow. By making reading engaging, structured, and tailored to individual preferences, we can reignite the joy of reading and keep students turning the pages.
Because when students find books they love, they don’t just read more—they become lifelong readers.
Research
Bobrowsky, T. (2024, July 25). Why aren’t as many kids reading for fun? KAXE.
Van Bergen, E., Hart, S. A., Latvala, A., Vuoksimaa, E., Tolvanen, A., & Torppa, M. (2022). Literacy skills seem to fuel literacy enjoyment, rather than vice versa. Developmental Science, 26(3), e13325. https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.13325
