The weather today is making me think of November. Cold weather and mustaches. Odd combination…I know. The cold weather is obvious and it will soon be No-Shave November. Print pictures of Victorian-era men with their top hats and mustaches on regular letter-sized paper. Then make a sign with a big mustache in the middle of it with the words, “Excuse Me, but I [picture of mustache here] you to check out these books. Arrange the printouts, the sign and an assortment of random books on the shelf. Make some mustaches out of construction paper and put them on the people (and/or animals) on the covers of the books on that display. The books don’t really need to have anything in common, other than the fake mustaches that you apply. Here are ten more display and program ideas for the eleventh month of the year…November.
American Indian Heritage Month
There are many special programs and educational presentations put on for American Indian Heritage Day each year. And school children often spend time learning about Native American history and traditions on or leading up to this special day. Prepare a display for all ages that includes materials by and about Native Americans and Indigenous peoples. Leave it up for the whole month.
National Adoption Month
National Adoption Month is an initiative of the Children’s Bureau with a goal to increase national awareness and bring attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth in the U.S. foster care system. Every family looks different. These 25 Children’s Books About Adoption to read aloud can help your young patrons expand what it looks like to be in a family. Display these books and read and talk about one of them during a storytime this month.
National Diabetes Month
In November, National Diabetes Month focuses attention on the growing cost of diabetes on American’s health. From the physical, emotional and social effects to financial and damaging health, diabetes impacts more than 30 million people in the United States. Also known as American Diabetes Month, the month focuses on making healthy changes and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Display books about diabetes and healthy cooking. Host a panel of medical professionals to raise awareness. Go to https://www.diabetes.org/ for more information.
National Novel Writing Month
Encourage your young writers to take a shot at writing a novel this month. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, empowering approach to creative writing. The challenge: draft an entire novel in just one month. Set aside some “open writing time” in your program room during November to entice those with an unwritten novel inside them to let it out.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (November 7, 1908)
Create a display of Western films and books in honor of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, reportedly killed on this day in 1908.
Tongue Twister Day (November 8)
Challenge patrons to repeat one of these 20 Popular Tongue Twisters. Give a prize to everyone who tries. Video the attempts and post them on your Facebook page. Display books that include tongue twisters and jokes.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans, that is, persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Honor our armed forces with a display of remarkable military films.
National Button Day (November 16)
Create a maker station with an assortment of colored buttons for patrons, young and old, to explore on their own or use to make one of these 20 Adorable Button Crafts for Kids.
Mickey Mouse Day (November 18)
Mickey Mouse was first introduced to the world on this day in the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie. Today Mickey Mouse is one of the most recognized characters for people of all ages around the world. Display all types of materials about Mickey, Minnie and the whole gang.
National Games and Puzzle Week (November 24-30, 2019)
While everyone is gathering for Thanksgiving, it’s time for National Game and Puzzle Week. Challenge patrons to a tournament and create fun memories! Grab the cards, board games and puzzles and have fun. Schedule multi-generational activities over the holiday break that include board games and puzzles. Feature a different puzzle style each day this week with a passive program handout. Make a display of games and puzzles that can be checked out of your library.
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