Libraries have traditionally been thought of as quiet places for reading but there’s still room for craft and games at the Lurnea High School library.

Teacher librarian Kathryn Fyfe started the regular lunchtime workshops in the library shortly after arriving at the school three years ago and noticing how noisy the library was.

The aim was to make the library a place of pleasure for all students, from those who feel alienated by libraries to those who use it as a “bit of a refuge”.

“The activities – and the effect they’ve had on quietening the library down – has been the best thing to encourage use of the library,” she said.

Students can learn to knit on Wednesdays or play board games on Fridays.

Thursday is jewellery making, and Monday is for reading only.

Workshops vary depending on the season.

Ms Fyfe lets the students know what resources are available in the library to further their interest in the activities.

Ms Fyfe started the jewellery making workshop with a Year 7 group in her first year at Lurnea High.

These students are now teaching jewellery-making to other students.

“It’s more about the kids than the library,” Ms Fyfe said.

“Lots of them would never have done handcrafts before, and they meet people they might not otherwise meet.

“And they get to take something away with them.

Built-in success!”