✨ Virtual Connections Around the World 2025 ✨

An opportunity to bring students together across cultures and continents

Welcome Message

We are delighted to invite you to take part in Virtual Connections Around the World 2025, a special project of International School Library Month (ISLM). This initiative brings schools, librarians, teachers, and students together through real-time conversations that go beyond borders.

By connecting virtually, students have the chance to celebrate books, share cultural traditions, and build friendships that last well beyond October. Each year, this project reminds us that even though we may live in different places, our love for stories, learning, and connection brings us closer together.

Choose Your Platform

Schools can connect using the platform that best suits their needs—Skype, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom.

What matters most is ensuring that students can easily join the conversation, whether they are participating from school or home. By giving schools flexibility in choosing their platform, we hope to make it simple and accessible for everyone.

Why Connect Globally?

International School Library Month (ISLM) celebrates the joy of learning, reading, and cultural exchange. Through these virtual connections, students have the chance to:

• Meet peers from different parts of the world in real time
• Share stories and traditions from their own cultures
• Talk about their favorite books and discover new ones
• Build global friendships while broadening their perspectives

These conversations go beyond books—they help students appreciate diversity, develop empathy, and recognize how connected we truly are.

Role of Librarians and Teachers

Librarians and teachers play an essential role in making these connections successful. Here’s what’s expected:

• Initiating contact: Choose a partner school from the provided list and make the first approach.
• Scheduling thoughtfully: Remember to consider time zone differences and find a time that works for both sides.
• Planning ahead: ISLM will not set up these meetings—so schools are responsible for arranging their own sessions. To ensure a smooth experience, teachers and librarians should prepare discussion prompts, guiding questions, or themes in advance.

With thoughtful planning, these sessions can become memorable, meaningful learning experiences for every student involved.

Important Dates

Deadline for registering for the 2025 Virtual Project: October 26, 2025

How to Take Part

Here’s a simple roadmap to help your school get started:

1. Register Online: Complete the VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS AROUND THE WORLD REGISTRATION FORM.
2. Set Up Your Platform
   • Download and install Skype, Zoom, or MS Teams, depending on your choice during registration. Make sure accounts are created and working properly.
3. Agree on a Time
   • Work with your partner school to select a time during October that suits both sides.
4. Run a Test Call
   • Schedule a quick test call a day before your session to resolve any technical issues.
5. Share Your Experience
   • After your session, complete the feedback form (Sheet 2). Please also share screenshots with us so we can feature your collaboration on the “What Others Are Doing for ISLM” page.

Cyber Safety and Child Identity Protection

The safety and well-being of students always come first. Please keep the following in mind:

• Follow school-approved cyber safety guidelines for all virtual interactions.
• Remind students not to share personal or sensitive information during sessions.
• Always ask your partner school for permission before taking photos or screenshots.
• Obtain clear consent before uploading any images or videos to social media platforms.

Stay Connected

Contact Information
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out:

• ISLM Chairperson: Raman Deep → letscelebrateislm@gmail.com
• Virtual Connections Project ISLM Coordinator: Inez Kinanthi → kinantea@gmail.com

Ready to Join?

• Register here: VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS AROUND THE WORLD REGISTRATION FORM  

• VIEW RESPONSES HERE

✨ Thank you for supporting IASL and for bringing your students into this inspiring global project. Together, let’s make ISLM 2025 an enriching experience filled with meaningful conversations, cultural exchange, and connections that extend far beyond the classroom.

A Note from the ISLM Chairperson

*"Each year, I am amazed by the creativity and dedication shown by librarians, teachers, and students who take part in ISLM. Virtual Connections Around the World is more than just a project—it is a bridge that connects young minds, encourages empathy, and inspires a love for reading that reaches across cultures.
I warmly encourage you and your students to join us in 2025. Let’s celebrate the power of libraries and stories, and show our students that learning has no borders."*

— Raman Deep
Chairperson, ISLM