At the beginning of March, post the following joke on the circulation desk: “Why would you never iron a four-leaf clover? Then on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) you can add the answer: “Because you shouldn’t press your luck!” Here are 10 more display ideas for March.
Music in Our Schools Month
Music In Our Schools Month is the National Association for Music Education’s annual celebration during March which engages music educators, students, and communities from around the country in promoting the benefits of high quality music education programs in schools. Music In Our Schools Month began as a single statewide Advocacy Day and celebration in New York in 1973 and grew over the decades to become a month-long celebration of school music in 1985. Go to http://www.nafme.org/programs/miosm/ for more information. Display books about musical instruments and sponsor a “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo” in the library.
National Craft Month
This is a great month to try out a mini “makerspace” in your library. It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be electronic. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. The only “must” is that participants must create something. Go to http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/crafts to get some great craft ideas for kids.
National Women’s History Month
This month provides a time for reexamining and celebrating the wide range of women’s contributions and achievements that are too often overlooked in the telling of U.S. History. This year’s theme, Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives, presents the opportunity to weave women’s stories – individually and collectively – into the essential fabric of our nation’s history. Display biographies of famous American women. Go to http://www.nwhp.org for more information and material.
NEA’s Read Across America Day (March 2, 2015)
March 2, 2015 is NEA’s Read Across America Day and this year, the book is the Seuss classic, Oh, The Places You’ll Go. To make your event Seussational, go to Plan a Reading Event for Read Across America for tips and ideas to plan your own event. See the CPLS Pinterest Page for Seuss-themed snacks and activities.
Iditarod Race Begins (March 7, 2015)
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race run in early March from Anchorage to Nome. Mushers and a team of 16 dogs, of which at least 6 must be on the towline at the finish line, cover the distance in 9–15 days or more. The Iditarod began in 1973 as an event to test the best sled dog mushers and teams but evolved into today’s highly competitive race. Display a map of Alaska with the route marked. Find books and dvds in both the Children’s area and adult collection about sled dog racing and Alaska in general.
Teen Tech Week (March 8-14, 2015)
Celebrate with the “Libraries are for Making…” theme during YALSA’s Teen Tech Week March 8-14, 2015. Demonstrate the value your library gives to the community by offering teens a space to extend learning beyond the classroom where they can explore, create and share content. Libraries can tailor the making theme to show your community exactly how you connect in meaningful ways with teens in order to help them gain the digital literacy skills they need to be successful. Click on http://teentechweek.ning.com/ to learn more.
Digital Learning Day (March 13, 2015)
With so many new types of digital devices, educational software and mobile apps continuously developed, it’s hard to keep up with the latest and greatest advancements in educational technology. Pick one thing related to technology that you would like to learn and spend some time today practicing. The American Association of School Librarians is a core partner in this effort. Set up a display and include eReaders, books about technology, a tablet, a laptop…anything related to technology. Invite your patrons to learn along with you.
Spring Begins (March 20, 2015)
A “Pinkalicious Bulletin Board will be perfect for Spring!
Visit the CPLS Pinterest Page of Library Displays for even more spring bulletin board ideas.
Randolph Caldecott’s Birthday (March 22, 1846)
Randolph Caldecott was a British artist and illustrator, born in Chester. The Caldecott Medal was named in his honor. Go to the ALA’s website to get a complete list of all medal winners since 1938 and prepare a display of Caldecott Medal books in the Children’s Area. Feature medal winners in story time for the month of March.
Harry Houdini’s Birthday (March 24, 1874)
This magician is best known for his ability to escape from locked restraints (handcuffs, straitjackets, coffins, boxes and milk cans). Celebrate his birthday with a display of magic books. You could add a cape, top hat (complete with a rabbit puppet), and magic wand for an eye-catching presentation. CPLS has a Book Set (including 20 paperbacks and an audiobook) for Sid Fleischman’s Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini. This is the perfect title for your Junior Book Club to read this month. The book is written for 9-12 year olds, and includes actual photographs of Houdini. Call the Hastings System Office to reserve this book set.
BONUS Nebraska Display—On March 1, 1867, Nebraska entered the union and became the 37th state. This is a chance to get out and display all of your Nebraska History materials.