Eclipse Day is finally here! With so many activities in August, I was delayed in working on the September Display Ideas. Here are 10 display and programming ideas for next month (which will be here in just 10 days—yikes!).
Library Card Sign-Up Month
This is a month when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. This observance was launched in 1987. Since then, thousands of public and school libraries join each fall in a national effort to ensure every child has a library card and uses it. Fill a display with fiction about librarians and a mix of books for children about the library.
International Literacy Day (September 8)
For more than 50 years, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has worked to provide every woman and man with the skills, capacities and opportunities to become everything they wish, in dignity and respect. UNESCO believes that literacy is a foundation to build a more sustainable future for all. Create a display of books written by authors from other countries.
National Video Game Day (September 12)
National Video Game Day is a holiday that has come about due to the ever increasing popularity of videos games from the 20th through the 21st centuries. It’s an unofficial holiday which is celebrated on September 12th. This day is a great day to show just how much of a fan you are of video games. Set up a game system in your library and invite patrons (of all ages) to give it a try! (The System Office has a Wii and several games you can borrow.)
Husker Harvest Days (September 12-14, 2017)
Celebrating its 40th year, the world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show comes together once again in Grand Island, Nebraska. The show features the latest equipment, supplies and technologies available to today’s producers. Field demonstrations and crop technology exhibits are geared to Nebraska and western Corn Belt agriculture. View the newest tractors, combines and harvesters, grain-handling equipment, and irrigation technologies. Watch and even participate in live demonstrations of these as well as new models of pickups and ATVs. Livestock handling demonstrations round out the learning opportunities. Display your farming books with information about this show. Go to http://huskerharvestdays.com for details.
Roald Dahl’s Birthday (September 13, 1916)
Visit https://www.roalddahl.com/home for games, activities, and more based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, Matilda, and more. Place a poster in the stacks or prepare a small display of Dahl’s books in the Children’s area.
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period. For more information, go to http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/.
Mini Golf Day (September 21, 2017)
Hold a mini golf event in the library! Find ideas for setting up your course on this Pinterest page https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=mini%20golf%20in%20library&rs=typed&term_meme[]=mini%20golf%20in%20library%7Ctyped.
First Day of Autumn (September 22, 2017)
Create this fun fall bulletin board (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/58/cf/87/58cf875ee0253000bcb4db6f0c951c74.jpg) along with a display of autumn-themed books.
Hobbit Day (September 22)
Hobbit Day is the birthday of the hobbits Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, two fictional characters in J. R. R. Tolkien’s popular set of books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In the books, both Bilbo and Frodo were said to be born on September 22, but of different years. Display Tolkien’s works in print, audio, and video formats along with a sign about Hobbit Day.
Banned Books Week (September 24-30)
Banned Books Week, the annual celebration of the freedom to read, will be held the week of September 24th in 2017. For this year’s celebration, the coalition of organizations that sponsors Banned Books Week will emphasize the importance of the First Amendment, which guarantees our inherent right to read. Go to http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/ for more information. Display books that have been challenged or banned and encourage your patrons to read (or re-read) the titles. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10
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