<![CDATA[This study examines students' reading interest and analyzes the strategic efforts of the library head in enhancing reading engagement at SMP IT Al-Karim Sekayu. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, quantitative questionnaire data from 39 seventh-grade students, selected through simple random sampling from a population of 189, were integrated with qualitative data from in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving the library head. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage techniques and the TSR (High, Medium, Low) categorization based on mean and standard deviation, while qualitative data followed the Miles and Huberman interactive model; both strands were merged during interpretation to triangulate findings. Results reveal that 74.36% of students fall into the moderate reading interest category, 7.69% high, and 17.95% low, indicating that reading remains situational—triggered by free time or exam preparation—rather than a consistent daily habit. The library head implemented targeted strategies, including establishing a collaborative book club, upgrading collections and facilities, optimizing user services, and positioning the library as an alternative learning space. These interventions are associated with a 107.14% increase in average library visitation (from 14 to 29 visitors per period) and positive student evaluations, with 56.41% rating service quality as very good. This study addresses a gap in empirical research on school library leadership within Islamic integrated school contexts, offering theoretical insights into user-centric literacy management and practical recommendations for administrators seeking to transition students from situational to habitual readers. However, sustained reinforcement remains necessary to deepen engagement beyond the moderate level.]]>
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