Library+Themes

= Use theme in large or small doses to create a kid-friendly space for your students and teachers. =
 * Theme **



Examples of Themes
Space Ocean Medieval times Fairy tales Garden Habitats Farm The city Circus Zoo Canada The world School mascot - We just chose a new one at NC - Stars! Mountains Careers Ancient Greece Ancient Egypt Holidays Book Store/café Under Construction

Nautical Theme


 * boat with cushions for reading area
 * lamp with seashells in it at magazine reading area
 * framed photographs of lighthouses
 * aquariums
 * hermit crab habitat
 * lighthouse reading area
 * boardwalks
 * fish netting- drape on bottom of circulation desk, hang from ceiling over desk; hot glue shells
 * shells in baskets
 * life preservers
 * life-size models of sea life (student made)
 * ocean fabric for bulletin board background
 * potted palms
 * beach buckets for table supplies
 * miniature buckets for scrap paper
 * Banner: Reading is your Lighthouse to the World.
 * models of ships
 * Helping Lights
 * strips of beige sheets arranged like sand on the tops of bookcases
 * treasure chests for paperback books
 * beach towels for the children to read on
 * beach chairs
 * magic reading glasses
 * wading pool for returning unchecked-out books
 * columns/poles painted to look like lighthouses

** I have a theme, now what? **

Once you have established a theme, create a web of ideas that relate to the theme. Let your mind go. Then make a list of possible items that you could use to decorate. Haunt yard sales, thrift stores and attics. Post the list. Spread the word. People will bring you things from everywhere. Involve your students and faculty in setting up the new décor. Participation leads to ownership, which has many benefits.
 * One helpful hint is that I use an overhead projector to blow up pictures like my rocket ship. Then I add the extra details...like my principals face!


 * Bulletin Board/Display Ideas **

· Go with your theme. If you have a beach theme, use torn beige sheets on the top of bookcases to resemble sand. Add some shells and a beach bucket or two. Pull books from the areas below to display on the “sand.”

· Use black bulletin board paper and write on it in chalk.

· Use fabric as a background. It is easily washed and reusable.

· Create a toolbox for taking with you to construct bulletin boards and displays. Include stapler, staples, scissors, etc.

· No Bulletin Board?? Use the end panels of your shelving. Construct a folding screen. Use a rolling hanging rack or make it stationary by cementing the poles or heavy rocks into flower pots. Perhaps you can use your door or the wall outside the library if there is no open wall space.

· Keep your displays current. Plan your themes during the summer so you don’t have the time-crunch of what to do when it is time to change a display.

· Take pictures of each display for future reference.

· Keep the design simple and uncluttered.

· Involve students in the preparation and execution of displays.

· Use bulletin boards for PR: Highlight the classes with all books returned or put stars up, thanking your parent and community volunteers. · Make bookmarks to go with your bulletin board.

· On a generic board, post a calendar, author/illustrator birthdays, volunteer form, library wish list and your newsletter. Post newspaper articles related to libraries and your school community.


 * Bulletin Board Themes **

q Before They Were Movies

q Books are Treasures

q Books Open the Door to Discovery

q Books…the Other Channel

q Discover Timeless Treasures (classics)

q Every Student Succeeds @ Your Library ™

q Fall Into Books (or Spring) q Find it @ Your Library™

q Friends Don’t Let Friends Read Junk q Get Hooked on a Banned Book

q Go Anywhere with a Book

q Good Stories Make Great Friends

q Knowledge is Power

q Little People Can Be Big Readers

q Make Tracks to your Library

q One Good Book Deserves Another (romance, sequels)

q Practice Random Acts of Reading q Read to Succeed

q Reading Rules

q So Many Books, So Little Time

q Step into a Book

q Step Up to the Plate @ Your Library™ q We All Meet at the Library

q What are //You// Reading?

q Wild About Reading