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Library
Displays
Homeschoolers
and libraries usually have a pretty fruitful relationship, with
homeschoolers taking full advantage of library materials, programs,
and space. Another way the two can collaborate is to educate the
public about homeschooling through library display cases, tables
and other exhibits. Almost all libraries have display cases or
tables that are in busy corridors and rooms, available free to
the public. Often, librarians are looking for people to use them.
Homeschooling is a topic of both local and general interest, making
it the perfect candidate for these types of displays.
How
to Book a Library Display Case or Table
Booking
a display at a library is simple, yet requires planning. Simply
look on the Internet or in the phone book for the address and
phone number of the closest library branches. It is a good idea
to visit the library before requesting a display case or table.
Once you arrive, determine what display areas exist and which
one you prefer. (Research has shown that people drift to the right
after entering a store. Books on display near a front desk check
out 100% to 300% more frequently.) Then ask for the person who
is responsible for booking the displays.
Once
you contact them, ask them what display areas are available and
when. Some are booked 2-3 months in advance, while others are
available immediately. It depends on the size and location of
the case or table and the popularity of the branch. Cases are
usually booked one month at a time, from the first to last day
of the month.
Ask
if you can publicize the display in the library newsletter or
calendar.
If you
can’t set up a display case or table, ask the librarian about
having a small permanent display of the 12" x 18" “Meet
Massachusetts Homeschoolers” poster and “Getting
Started Homeschooling” brochures that AHEM can provide
for the library to maintain on an ongoing basis. You can also
see if they are open to such a small, ongoing display after you
dismantle your case or table display.
What
To Put In Your Display
The
main goal of the display is to get attention, arouse curiosity,
and make passersby intrigued enough to check out a book or take
home a pamphlet. Your main goal is to create curiosity.
There
are a number of components that you can combine to create this
effect. These include:
Flyer
- This is a great place to include an ad for your local support
group.
Books
- Include copies of homeschooling books that are in the library’s
collection so that people can check them out. You can search them
online from home before you go and print out a list ordered by
call number, making it easy to collect the books and check for
them over the course of the display. Use "Home schooling”
(two words) as a subject search term and limit the search results
to the specific library. Alternatively, go browse in the 371.042
and 649.68 sections. If your display is in a case rather than
on a table, you can include your own personal books.
Pictures,
drawings, or a collage about homeschooling to draw attention
to the display. This might be something your kids would like to
help with.
Press
release* “Home schooling improves academic performance
and reduces impact of socio-economic factors” from the Fraser
Institute paper Home
Schooling: From the Extreme to the Mainstream, 2nd edition
Other
positive press clippings from local or national news you may
have on hand.
“Getting
Started Homeschooling” pamphlets* - Stock just outside
the case so people can walk away with one if they like, as well
as displaying one in the case or on the table in case the ones
to take away run out.
Business
cards* (AHEM will supply and/or supply your own.)
Quotes*
- Quotes or excerpts about homeschooling that get attention and
spark curiosity (Print out on colorful paper and cut out in eye-catching
shapes.)
“Meet
Massachusetts Homeschoolers” poster* (You may want to
mount this on firm poster board for easier displaying.)
Title
banner* - “Home’s Cool”
*AHEM
will supply starred items.
How
to Set Up and Maintain Your Display
Now
the hard work is complete, let the fun begin! Since each display
is different, from size to style, it's challenging to fill and
decorate it. It's a good idea to bring some cleaning products
to prepare the case or table for your display. It may already
be clean, but you never know. Leave the case or table better than
you found it so that they invite you back. Bring along tape, a
stapler, tacks, and anything else you need to hang and hold the
items in place. Make sure you know the back wall’s material
if using a case, since this influences how things can be hung.
If you
have the time and inclination, consider these tips for making
your display really special. But a simple approach is still valuable!
•
Start with a tablecloth.
•
Books facing out is always best if possible. Ask the librarian
if she has book stands you can use in the display.
•
Add lighting to your display. Illuminate displays or use something
reflective – glittery fabric, ornaments, mirrored surfaces,
attention grabbing elements. Illuminated displays receive twice
the attention of nonilluminated.
•
Add objects to the display — interesting take out containers,
toys, pails, flowerpots, blocks, garlands, etc. Go to discount
stores, garage sales, local farmer’s markets, your attic,
your basement, your closets, your garden! There are ideas and
display materials everywhere!
•
Add an interactive piece – acrostic poems, Ad Libs, a guessing
jar, I Spy, some sort of participatory activity.
•
Use color to group items. (Studies have shown that people browsing
book covers by color tend to like blue, consider white informational,
brown serious, and they avoid red.)
•
Use all types of materials and don’t be afraid to mix adult,
teen, and children’s together. Keep displays “loaded”
–fill any holes as soon as you can.
Signage:
•
Readability is key, then add ornamentation.
•
Color contrast improves readability and can set the tone or add
style. Ranked most readable to least combinations:
1.
Black on yellow
2.
Black on white
3.
Yellow on black
4.
White on blue
5.
Yellow on blue
•
The smaller the letters, the more contrast is needed.
Good
Luck!
Examples
of Homeschooling Displays
See
example below of a display sponsored by a local group at a library.
Feel free to use these ideas for your displays, as well as incorporating
some of your own original ideas. Why don’t you join in spreading
the word and send us pictures of your display!
Thanks
to Howard at http://www.friendsofishmael.org/tools/readers/displays.shtml
for letting us adapt their ideas for creating library displays
for our own purpose.
Some
specific ideas about enhancing displays were taken from Display
Tips and Tricks by Jane Lopez-Santillana and Pat Kelly of
Seattle’s Central Library - Faye G. Allen Children’s
Center, a presentation at the Washington Association of Library
Employees Conference, 2006.
Back to Get
Involved
Back to Libraries
and Homeschoolers
The
information on this website does not constitute legal advice;
it is provided for informational purposes only.
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