August Library Program Planning Ideas

I've already had my first school dream, which means that it's time to start thinking about Back to School.  My school system has already sent out the schedule for meet and greets, so it is really official.  

While the library is busy at the beginning of the school year with textbooks and chromebooks and all of that not-so-fun stuff, I don't want to let fun opportunities for library planning to pass me by!  So here are my ideas - feel free to use my resources or create your own.  

Pre-planning 

Make sure your teachers know how you can help them by hosting an opportunity to come see what you have to offer! I have done a Pop in the Library popcorn-themed event that was popular. But the important thing is to make sure teachers know where you are and what you can do!

Book Displays for Back to School

Display ideas: New Books, Books that have never been checked out (“Be the 1st to read this book!” - offer a prize for students who read and review these books.)

Create a welcoming atmosphere

Consider posting your name (with pronunciation help if needed) and give students permission to correct your pronunciation of their name. Here is template link to this file - 

You can also print out a poster for students to color that states "The Library is for Everyone!" 

Days to Celebrate

August 6 - National Friendship Day

• Buddy Reads - Put out copies of books you have multiple copies of and encourage students to check out the same books as a friend!
• Passive makerspace/craft idea: Put out directions and supplies for students to make friendship bracelets.

August 8 - International Cat Day

• Put out a display of books about cats - nonfictions and fiction books with cat characters or cats on the cover!
• Passive makerspace/craft idea: Search for an easy, age-appropriate cat craft to have out for students to complete (Cat origami would be a fun one!)

August 9 - National Book Lovers Day

• Put out copies of staff member’s favorite books (Add a picture of the person holding the book for extra fun!)
• Have students pose for pictures with their favorite books to print and post or to post on social media (with permission of course)

August 30 - We Love Memoirs Day

• Put out copies of memoirs along with the definition of what a memoir is.
• Extension idea: continue highlighting one memoir a week for “Memoir Monday” on announcements and on a weekly rotating display. (Post a pic of the week’s memoir at the display so students can put a hold on it if it is checked out!)

Rothy's - are they worth the expense?

 What is the big deal about Rothy's?  

Well, in a word, they are awesome!  Let me tell you why:

• Sustainable - they are made out of recycled plastic bottles.  Bonus?  That means, that if you are clumsy like me, the toes don't scuff when you trip - because it's not made out of leather!  
• Easy care - they are machine washable - did you hear that?  No more stinky shoes!  Just take out the insoles, and throw them separately in the washer, and voila!  They come out clean!  Just be sure to air dry them!
• Ethical - they are ethically made in the U.S. 
• Comfortable - Rothy's really are the most comfortable shoes I've worn with NO break-in period or blisters! 
• Long-lasting - I purchased my first pair of Rothy's in April of 2019 (my red pair) and I have worn them a LOT.  Like at LEAST once a week.  And they still look great!  
• A variety of styles - you don't have to love ballet flats to love Rothy's - they have pointed flats, round flats, square toe flats in addition to loafers, sneakers, and boots! 

I now own several pairs of Rothy's - some purchased from the Rothy's website, and some purchased secondhand from Poshmark.  Shopping Poshmark is a way to get a color or design that may be discontinued on the website.  

However, you buy a pair, I highly recommend them!  If you purchase from the Rothy's website, you can get $20 off your first pair!  (In return I also get a $20 credit!). If you find a pair you love on Poshmark, you can register for a Poshmark account with COURTNEYRICOLE and get $10 off your first order.  

Which style would you choose? 

Winter Reading Challenge 2023

 

In 2022, my friend Kacey and I created monthly reading challenges and posted them on instagram.  This year we decided to change things up a bit and do three different 2-month challenges - winter, summer, and fall!  So the winter reading challenge runs all the way through the end of February - plenty of time for you to join us!  Because there are 2 months to complete the challenge, there are 9 prompts instead of 6: 

The rules are simple:  Pick a book that fits the prompt (one book can only be used for one prompt), read it, and that's it!  If you share your reads on Instagram in your posts or stories, be sure to tag us so we can see!  We love to share what people are reading - it gives others great recommendations for the prompts!  

Here is also a template for sharing your reviews of the books you read!  

Happy Reading!  

What prompt would you be most likely to start with?