2019 will be here in 12 days. I cannot believe that December is nearly gone and I have not prepared the Display Ideas for next month! That tells you a lot about how my month has gone. Here at the System Office we are preparing for a year with the most workshops…ever! It is exciting, but a bit terrifying as well. But I digress. Here are ten display and program ideas for the quickly approaching month of January.
National Hobby Month
Have patrons share their favorite hobbies this month, giving them a chance to show off their unique skills and share their interests with others. This is a great time for a makerspace program. Display craft and hobby books to give your patrons options to consider.
National Soup Month
The folks at Genius Kitchen have served up 54 Satisfying Soup Recipes for Cold Weather that might be just the comfort you need this month in chilly weather. Print one or two recipes each day and hand them out to all your patrons on that day. By the end of the month, you’ll have them coming back for more! You could also display your cookbooks that feature soup and comfort foods nearly the circulation desk.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday (January 3, 1892)
J.R.R. Tolkien was born on this day in 1892. Set up a display of high fantasy books and films.
Tom Mix’s Birthday (January 6, 1880)
Cowboy film legend Tom Mix was born on this day. Highlight Westerns in print and film. Add a cowboy hat and boots to your display to draw attention to it.
Kid Inventors’ Day (January 17)
Have even more makerspace fun by watching these 11 Kid Inventors Break Down Their Greatest Inventions. Set out LEGOs and K’Nex toys to encourage creativity and see what your patrons invent.
A.A. Milne’s Birthday (January 18, 1882)
Alan Alexander Milne was a British author, best known for his books about the teddy bear Winnie-the-Pooh. Display all of your Winnie-the-Pooh books and you might be able to find a stuffed character from the stories to dress up your children’s area. Here are 15 Words of Wisdom from Winnie-the-Pooh to help give your day new perspective.
Martin King Luther Jr. Day (January 21, 2019)
The National Education Association (NEA) has curated a list of K-5 classroom resources for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Print out the coloring pages and activities and put them next to a display of books about Martin King Luther Jr.
CIA Established (January 22, 1946)
President Harry S. Truman created the Central Intelligence Group on this date in 1946. Feature your spy novels and films today.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27)
The United Nations designated this day on the anniversary of the 1945 liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. Distribute a booklist of amazing materials that promote understanding.
Data Privacy Day (January 28)
Raise awareness and promote best practices by scattering tips around the library (near the computers) and post on your website and social media.
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