10 Ways to Transform Your Library
TLA 2016
Making Libraries Hot!
★ Be A Book Whisperer
○ Create pathways for book suggestions (online, slips of paper, Goodreads)
○ Keep lists of books handy
○ Series Lists printed and on shelves
○ Keep notes on kids
★ Read and Purchase Current Books
○ Graphic Novels
○ Fiction & Nonfiction
○ Foreign Language
○ Pop Up/Easy Books
○ Follow blogs
○ Make and keep series list
○ Book suggestion binder by genre
★ Gone are the Shh! Days
○ Comfortable Furniture, Casual seating area
○ Creative Buzz
○ Allow noise for good reason
○ Allow devices in library (with headphones, no phone calls)
○ More flexibility than the classroom - we are a place of choice!
★ Entice with Carrots
○ Book Give-Aways
○ Beverage Bars & Game Systems
○ Share contests
★ Grab Attention with Displays
○ Posters & Theme Displays
○ Books On The Way & New Book Displays
○ Market yourself to your kids!
★ Sell Those Books
○ Utilize Advertisements & Reviews
○ Shelf Talkers & FaceOut Shelving
○ Genre: Stickers, Shelving, Binders, Bookmarks
○ Feature new books
○ Place reviews inside cover of book
○ Read-alike signs
★ Have an Active Social Media Presence
○ Frequent updates!
★ Annual Events
○ Teen BookCon
○ Author Visits or Skype with authors
★ Be High Tech
○ Mobile Device Checkout
○ 3D Printers
○ Devices for overnight checkout
★ Extended Library Hours
○ Programming Club
○ Anime Club & Gamers Club
★ Be Creative & Search for Funding
○ Grants
○ McTeacher's Night
★ Keep Up with YA/Teen Trends
○ Go where your kids go
○ See what kids are into
★ Keep Dream/Future Lists and Goals
○ If money comes up, know what you want!
○ Future books coming out
★ Make Connections
○ Make kids welcome
○ Community spirit