I like to go to the movies and I recently saw the trailer for Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens that will be in theaters on March 17. There are many YA books that are retellings of classic fairy tales. Prepare a display with the traditional book and those that retell the familiar story. Go to http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2017/02/13/beauty-beast-classic-retellings/ to see titles of YA books that go along with Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Shakespeare, and Alice in Wonderland. Here are 10 more program and display ideas for March.
National Nutrition Month
Display books from both the adult and children’s sections of the library that are about healthy eating and nutritious foods. Go to http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/national-nutrition-month-games to print out games so that your patrons an have some fun while learning about the best foods to eat.
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 is “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business.” The 2017 theme honors women who have successfully challenged the role of women in both business and the paid labor force. Women have always worked, but often their work has been undervalued and unpaid. Go to http://www.nwhp.org for more information and material.
Youth Art Month
Celebrate art created by the children of your community by creating gallery spaces throughout your library. Partner with the art teachers at your local schools to get a variety of student artwork for your gallery.
NEA’s Read Across America Day (March 2, 2017)
In honor of Dr. Seuss’s Birthday, the National Education Association celebrates Read Across America Day. The Seussical celebration will kick off a week of reading across the nation as students, parents, and community members gather to share their love of reading. See the CPLS Pinterest Board for Dr. Seuss-themed treats and crafts.
National Anthem Day (March 3)
Today in history, “The Star Spangled Banner” became our national anthem. Visit the Smithsonian’s website to view the earliest known manuscript of Francis Scott Key’s famous song. Display the lyrics of the song along with some small flags (available from the Oriental Trading Company).
Teen Tech Week (March 5-11, 2017)
Teen Tech Week is when libraries make the time to showcase all of the great digital resources and services that are available to help teens succeed in school and prepare for college and 21st century careers. Celebrate the next Teen Tech Week with the theme “Be the Source of Change.” This year’s theme encourages teens to take advantage of all the great digital resources offered through the library to make a positive change in their life and community. Go to http://teentechweek.ning.com/ for ideas and resources.
Oreo™ Cookies First Sold (March 6, 1912)
Over the years, Nabisco has debuted a variety of unusual flavors of Oreo™ cookies. Buy a few different choices (the lemon ones are my favorite) and serve them to your patrons with a glass of milk. Challenge them to invent a new flavor.
Freedom of Information Day (March 16)
Freedom of Information (FOI) Day is an annual event on or near March 16, the birthday of James Madison. He would later come to be known as “Father of the Constitution” for drafting the United States Constitution and the United States Bill of Rights, and was the loudest voice of the time for ensuring that the government of the newly formed nation held no secrets from the people it served. Place a sign on the circulation desk commemorating the day.
World Poetry Day (March 21)
Gather and display poetry books that include all types of poems—silly or thoughtful, rhyming or freely flowing.
Eiffel Tower Opened (March 31, 1889)
The Eiffel Tower officially opened on this day in 1889. Celebrate this iconic structure by providing a picture of the tower and simple materials, such as toothpicks and marshmallows or straws and tape, for your patrons to create their own replicas.
BONUS Nebraska Display—150 years ago, 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. Visit the website for the Nebraska Statehood 150 at https://ne150.org/ for celebration ideas.
Visit me on Pinterest for even more Display Ideas.