One of the most fun parts of my job is coming up with display ideas. I find that patrons really enjoy the book recommendations from displays, I see that those shelves get empty pretty fast sometimes.
I dig the world wide web for ideas (why not, right? I LOOOOVE that our community is so generous to share what they do so others can be inspired by them!) and compile those I like in a personal document.
Besides the regular time-sensitive events throughout the year (major holidays, celebratory months for many different causes, etc), I usually try to find timeless themes that can work at any point, specially if it will make parts of the collection that are not so popular move.
So, here’s a list of 20 timeless display themes for you:
1. Kleenex-worthy books
Grab a tissue before you read those!
2. From the bottom shelf
I bet patrons rarely kneel to see what’s on those bottom shelves.
3. Dear Diary
Memoirs, diaries, personal stories.
4. I’ve got my eyes on you
This one is more time-consuming, but so fun! Grab those books with eyes on the cover.
(I did the sign above using Canva – it’s free!)
5. Shhh! It’s a secret!
Any books about secrets or with “secret” on the title.
6. Armchair travel
Travel books, travelogues, memoirs about going places, books that take place in other countries.
7. Pawsitively Pawsome Books
Pet-owners (and pet-owner wannabes) will all swoon!
8. Out of this world
Sci-fi, outer space, aliens, and so on.
9. Just kidding
Humour, jokes, funny memoirs, anything to make readers laugh out loud.
10. What’s your name?
Names in the title.
11. If you liked (insert title/author), you will like (readalikes)
12. Small books
In dimensions, not number of pages.
13. Misfit memoirs
14. Once upon a crime
15. Predicting the future
Distopias, classics like 1984, Brave New World, etc.
16. Way back when
Historical fiction
17. Build something
18. New (or local) authors
19. Award-winning books
20. Literary bad boys
Inspired by NYPL
One of my favourite places to find ideas is Pinterest. There are TONS of boards on library displays.
Now it’s your turn to share other timeless display ideas in the comment section! 😉
Ana Calabresi is a librarian at Port Moody and Burnaby Public Libraries.
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