Cozy Campfire Reading Center

 Have you tried a campfire reading center?

I set up a “campfire” outside our reading tent, with an inexpensive Vandring Spar rug from Ikea. It’s nothing fancy—just a soft rug in neutral tones—but it turned out to be the perfect backdrop for our little library campfire.

And let me tell you—the campfire is a HIT!! You’d be amazed at how many first graders can squeeze onto that rug, determined to get as close to the “fire” as possible. I’ve seen kids scoot over, sit crisscross applesauce, and even lean on each other just to be part of the group gathered around. The atmosphere really does feel special, like we’ve stepped out of the school building and into the woods for a cozy campfire story.

Here’s the best part, though: do you notice what happens when the kids gather there? Their books are open, and they are READING. That’s the magic. Creating a fun, inviting space changes how students approach reading. Suddenly, a book isn’t just another assignment—it’s part of the adventure.

How I Set Up the Campfire Center

You don’t need anything complicated to recreate this in your own library. My campfire is a cardboard structure I painted with red, orange, and yellow swirls to mimic flames. Around the top of the cardboard, I loosely draped a strand of orange string lights to give it that glowing effect. At first, I tried covering the lights with tissue paper to hide the wires and bulbs. It did look more realistic, but the tissue paper heated up very quickly, and I didn’t feel safe leaving it that way. Safety first! The glow of the lights alone is plenty to capture the mood.

Underneath the “fire,” I spread a big black circle cut from butcher paper to represent a fire pit. If you squint from far away, it almost looks real. To finish it off, I placed one actual piece of firewood right in front. That small touch of authenticity makes a big difference—kids notice those little details.

Beside the fire, I keep a bubble tote filled with books. This way, if a student forgot to check out a book or wants something new to read, they can still join in the fun without feeling left out. Having the tote nearby also helps keep the reading flow going, since students don’t have to get up and hunt for materials.

On the rug, I set up a simple acrylic sign holder with a cheerful “Campfire Reading” label. It signals to students that this is a special place and helps them treat it like a real center, not just another corner of the room.

Why It Works

There’s something powerful about combining pretend play with reading. Elementary students love imaginative settings, and when you create a space that feels different from the ordinary, you instantly capture their attention. Instead of saying, “It’s time to read quietly,” you can say, “Let’s gather at the campfire for some reading time.” That one change in phrasing and environment makes the activity feel exciting and new.

I’ve noticed that even my more reluctant readers are drawn to this spot. They want to be part of the group, part of the campfire experience, and once they’re sitting down with the others, a book naturally opens in their hands. Before long, the quiet hum of page-turning fills the rug area.

Try It in Your Library

This center has added so much joy and energy to our library. It’s not expensive, it doesn’t require hours of prep, and you don’t have to buy anything fancy to make it work. A rug, some cardboard, a string of lights, and a little creativity can transform your space into a cozy reading adventure.

If you’re looking for a way to refresh your library centers, give the campfire idea a try. You’ll be amazed at how quickly students flock to it, how naturally they slip into reading, and how much fun it adds to your day.

So go ahead—build your own “fire,” roll out a rug, and watch the sparks of reading catch flame in your students’ imaginations!

And if you’re looking for more school library ideas, check out my free ebook!