Summer is winding down and August is approaching. If you don’t want to give up on sunny days just yet, prepare a bulletin board with palm trees, sand, and monkeys hanging on vines. The title is “Hang Out and Read.” Here are 10 more display ideas for August.
American Adventures Month
This month celebrates vacationing in the Americas. Whether traveling in luxury or in primitive conditions, tourists are encouraged to explore South, Central and North America. Experiencing the Americas in a variety of ways unlocks new worlds for all travelers. Display travel books and DVDs for countries in the Americas. A globe or a map will draw attention to the arrangement of material.
National Back to School Month
Display books and DVDs about school in your children’s area. Draw attention to the display by adding a backpack and other school supplies. You could even be a collection place for donated school supplies for a local group that will distribute them to children that need them.
Friendship Day (August 2)
For a simple passive program, set out embroidery floss in a variety of colors and instructions for children to make friendship bracelets. Get patterns at http://friendship-bracelets.net.
National Watermelon Day (August 3)
Share The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli (or any other watermelon-themed book). Have a watermelon hedgehog prepared in advance, so everyone can have a bite of watermelon. Go to http://www.watermelon.org/ for coloring pages, activity sheets, and more fun carving ideas.
Happiness Happens Day (August 8)
Founded in 1999 under the name of “Admit You’re Happy Day” by the Secret Society of Happy People, Happiness Happens Day aims to spread the joy of being happy, and to persuade people to look on the brighter side of life. Display books from all areas of the library with the word “happy” in the title. Give out “smiley face” stickers at the circulation desk. Do all you can to spread happiness…its contagious!
Vinyl Record Day (August 12)
Favorite songs can bring back fond memories and Vinyl Record Day encourages celebrating these musical memories with family and friends. The day also seeks to recognize the tremendous cultural influence that vinyl records and album covers have had for more than 60 years and the need to preserve that audio history. August 12th was selected because that is the day Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. If you still have any vinyl records, display them with a record player. If not, prepare a poster and feature oldies on CD.
National Aviation Day (August 19)
In 1939 President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed August 19 to be National Aviation Day. The day coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright, who piloted the Wright Flyer. He and his brother Wilbur are given credit for building the world’s first successful airplane with aircraft controls that enabled them to steer the plane. Display your books and DVDs about airplanes.
International Tongue Twister Contest (August 22, 2015)
The International Tongue Twister Contest takes place in Wisconsin today. Print out this sheet of tongue twisters and have everyone practice their tongue twisting skills: http://funenglishgames.com/funstuff/tonguetwisters.html. The Travel Wisconsin website says “Laughter is promised for everyone!”
Brian Pinkney’s Birthday (August 28, 1961)
Acclaimed artist Brian Pinkney is the illustrator of several highly-praised picture books including The Faithful Friend, In the Time of the Drums, and Duke Ellington. Gather Pinkney’s books and prepare a display for children to browse.
Donald Crews’ Birthday (August 30, 1938)
Celebrate with a transportation-themed book display including Crews’ Caldecott Honor books Freight Train and Truck. Add some toy trucks or trains for an eye-catching display.
BONUS–Nebraska Event: Kool-Aid Days (August 7-9, 2015)
The 18th Annual Kool-Aid Days Festival is scheduled to be held in Hastings, Nebraska. There will be great family fun all weekend long—featuring the World’s Largest Kool-Aid Stand. Display information about this even along with Kool-Aid packets and pitchers. You could even serve Kool-Aid to your patrons. They are sure to be delighted. Kool-Aid has played a part in summer for children across the nation…and it started right here in central Nebraska.
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