It has been so warm that I can hardly believe that harvest is almost over and Thanksgiving is nearly here. It will get cold soon enough. Winter begins on December 21. Cover a table with an ice-blue cloth and then display books with winter words in the title: snow, ice, cold, coat, etc. Here are 10 more display ideas for December:
National Cookie Day (December 4)
This is a great time to find all of your picture books about cookies for a display in the children’s area. Cookie cookbooks are always popular during the holidays. You could host a cookie exchange or give away cookies at the circulation desk. You might fill a clear jar with mini cookies and have patrons guess how many are in the jar. The closest guess gets the jar and the cookies!
Pearl Harbor Day (December 7, 1941)
Highlight your nonfiction collection of World War II history books and DVDs.
Poinsettia Day (December 12)
This is a day to enjoy poinsettias and to honor Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the American diplomat who introduced into the U.S. the Central American plant that is named for him. Decorate with some poinsettias and put a plant stake with this information in one of the pots.
Emily Dickinson’s Birthday (December 10, 1830)
One of America’s greatest poets, Emily Dickinson was born at Amherst, MA. She was reclusive, mysterious and frail in health. Seven of her poems were published during her life, but after her death, her sister discovered almost 2,000 more poems written on the back of envelopes and other scraps of paper locked in her bureau. Emily Dickinson is now recognized as one of the most original poets of the English-speaking world. Prepare a sign and place it in the stacks near any books containing Emily Dickinson’s poetry or with her Biography.
A Christmas Carol Published (December 17, 1843)
This holiday classic by Charles Dickens was published in a print run of 6,000 copies that sold out in one week. Display every version of this story (books—both children and adult, DVDs, audio) plus other Dickens titles.
The Nutcracker Suite Premiered (December 18, 1892)
In 1892 Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker Suite premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia. Display books about the tale, along with a collection of nutcrackers. Play the music quietly for your patrons today.
It’s a Wonderful Life Film Premier (December 20, 1946)
America’s favorite Christmas drama premiered on this date at New York, NY. Host a viewing part and give prizes for the person who has seen it the most times…and for anyone seeing the movie for the first time.
Mary Higgins Clark’s Birthday (December 24, 1931)
If you have patrons who read mysteries, they will recognize this very popular mystery writer. Make a list of Clark’s books for her fans. If you get requests for titles you don’t have, you can borrow them through Interlibrary Loan.
Visit the Zoo Day (December 27)
Everybody loves a trip to the zoo! It’s perfect for the whole family—any age, boy or girl. The animals never cease to entertain, and there aren’t any TVs or video games to distract your youngsters. Display books about zoos and zoo animals and encourage families to celebrate, and Visit the Zoo!
Nicholas Sparks’ Birthday (December 31, 1965)
Nicholas Sparks was born in Omaha, Nebraska. Feature his books, audiobooks, and DVDs in your Fiction section.
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