It has been a while since I have posted a list of display ideas. I know preparing displays takes a lot of time and when our patrons were just pulling up to the curb, there was no reason to use the precious time we had to make displays that very few people came in to see. I believe things are moving more towards the “old normal” so, here are some upcoming celebrations you may want to feature in your display cases.
Celebrate Diversity Month
Celebrate Diversity Month started in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month, organizers hope that people will get a deeper understanding of each other. Help kids see how big the world is by choosing books about people whose lives are very different from theirs for a display in the children’s area.
National Humor Month
Nothing can bring people together like laughter. Not to mention that laughter is good for us mentally and physically: a good chuckle can help relieve stress, burn calories and even boost your immune system! Click on this link for 8 activities to celebrate National Humor Month. Gather all your joke books and make a hilarious display.
National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month celebrates poems and poets with annual events taking place nationwide in April. Established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, the goal is to increase the visibility of the poetic form, as well as to increase access to it. For programs and resources relating to poetry, click on this link. Go through the 811 sections of your library, both adults and children, to find books for your display.
School Library Month
School Library Month is the American Association of School Librarians’ celebration of school librarians and school libraries. Every April school librarians are encouraged to host activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school libraries play in transforming learning. Click on this link for resources provided by AASL.
National Library Week (April 4-10)
The theme for National Library Week, “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs. Click on this link for free tools to publicize this celebration.
Draw a Bird Day (April 8, 2021)
Draw A Bird Day is a special movement, that was born in Great Britain during the 1940s. This movement spread to the other countries and it became very popular. Prepare a display of both drawing books and bird books. Hold a program, either virtually or in-person, where the participants are instructed how to draw a bird.
National Pet Day (April 11)
National Pet Day is April 11, although if you’re a pet owner, you know there’s not a day that goes by that you don’t celebrate your animal companion! It turns out that not only can pets steal our hearts, but they also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Display books about common (and some not-so-common) pets, for example dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, horses, and maybe even llamas. Click on this link for all kinds of facts about pets. (Think bookmarks!)
National D.E.A.R. Day (April 12)
National D.E.A.R. Day is celebrated every year on April 12th. That’s the birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary, whose characters Ramona and older sister Beezus are now favorites of a new generation of readers. On this day, families are encouraged to take at least 30 minutes to put aside all distractions and enjoy books together. Click on this link for printable posters and bookmarks as well as other resources.
Superhero Day (April 28, 2021)
Prepare a display of books, graphic novels, audiobooks and DVDs about Superheroes. Leave drawing paper and colored pencils beside the materials and ask your patrons to invent their own superheroes. Encourage them to design costumes and make a list of what problem their powers could solve. Hang all the drawings on a nearby bulletin board.
Oatmeal Cookie Day (April 30, 2021)
Although no record seems to exist regarding the origins of Oatmeal Cookie Day, the Internet is filled with evidence that it is a genuine celebration of what is considered to be the healthiest cookie of all. Oatcakes have been relied on to deliver quick boosts of energy since the middle ages and though recipes are today far more elaborate and tastier, oatmeal cookies are still trusted to supply a healthy dose of fiber and iron. First cultivated thousands of years ago and eaten as a type of porridge, oatmeal is now dressed in the finest of fruits, nuts, candies and spices to reign supreme in cookie jars around the world. Display your cookbooks with cookie recipes and buy boxes of Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Cream Pies (individually wrapped) to hand out to your patrons as they check out library material.