We knew it was going to happen! Tomorrow is the first of May and the temperature is over 80 degrees. We went right from late winter to early summer. I hope sometime we get to enjoy a nice long spring. Put up a brightly-colored bulletin board with caterpillars, bees, butterflies, ants and flowers. The slogan says Don’t Bug Me…I’m Reading! Here are ten more spring/summer display and program ideas for the month of June.
Great Outdoors Month
Go on a virtual adventure to explore our national parks at https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service/parks. Display your travel books to states that include the national parks mentioned on this website…Alaska, Hawaii, New Mexico, Utah, and Florida.
National Safety Month
For anyone prone to bumps, cuts, and bruises, share 18 Fun Facts about the History of BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages: https://www.jnj.com/our-heritage/18-facts-about-the-history-of-band-aid-brand-adhesive-bandages. Band-Aids have come a long way! Be sure to include first aid books, CPR books and DVDs, crutches, and braces in your display.
National Zoo and Aquarium Month
Display your children’s picture books about zoo animals and aquarium creatures. Make the display inviting by including plush and puppet versions of animals that could be found in the zoo. Schedule a Virtual Field Trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo. See this webpage for more information: http://www.omahazoo.com/zoo2you.
Helen Oxenbury’s Birthday (June 2, 1938)
Helen Gillian Oxenbury is an English illustrator and writer of children’s picture books. She lives in North London with her husband John Burningham, another children’s book illustrator and writer. Display books that feature her beloved illustrations such as The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig, We’re Going On a Bear Hunt, and The Great Big Enormous Turnip. Watch a video interview with this artist at http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/oxenbury.
Flag Day (June 14)
Today commemorates the adoption of the United States flag in 1777. Do you know any vexillologists? A vexillologist is someone who studies flags. If you have any books about flags, ours in particular, display them with a small poster which includes this new vocabulary word.
Father’s Day (June 17, 2018)
The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it was not until 1972–58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official–that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. Display DVDs, audiobooks and books from every area in your library that have the words Father or Daddy in the title.
First Day of Summer (June 21)
Summer is finally (officially) here! Make a bulletin board where everyone can share via post-it note their favorite things to do in summer. Include a display of books about summer at the base of the bulletin board.
Great American Campout (June 23, 2018)
“Camp Out” at your library today! Set up a tent, serve indoor s’mores and read aloud a book about camping. Have wet wipes ready for sticky hands and more books about camping ready to be checked out by your eager patrons.
Eric Carle’s Birthday (June 25, 1929)
Born in Syracuse, New York, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there and graduated from a prestigious art school in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Display Eric Carle’s books in the children’s area with a small poster about his birthday. Be ready to refill this display, because the books will definitely get checked out. For more information about Eric Carle and his work, go to his official webpage at: http://www.eric-carle.com/home.html.
“Happy Birthday to You” Day (June 27, 1924)
First published in 1924, this song has made its rounds endlessly ever since. Throw a birthday party, complete with mini cupcakes, for anyone who has a June birthday today. Also make books about birthdays available at the circulation desk for easy checkout.
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