Gift Ideas for Library Lovers

Donate a book in their name

Do you have someone in your life that sees their local library as the destination? Here are some ideas for gifts as the holidays roll around. 

CC Credit: Bob AuBuchon

This is a good gift for the person who has it all or otherwise claims that they "don't need anything." Every library is different about taking donated books, so ask before you go out and buy something. Even if your local library does not accept book donations for the collection (which is common for large library systems), you may be able to pay for a new, popular book through the Friends of the Library.

Make/buy them a Little Free Library

CC Credit: Flickr user, Thank you for visiting my page

Another gift that gives to others! These little libraries are great for the community. You can paint it or leave it for them to decorate, and put it somewhere in their neighborhood. Check out the Little Free Library website for more information.

Library themed clothing

You can click on the above images to find out where to purchase them. There is a lot more where this came from, too. A great place to look is etsy.com.

Book scented candle

Don't you love the smell of old books!? Did you know there is a reason for that? I found this video that explains the science behind the smell.

Pay for a card of a neighboring library

Portland Public Library, Maine, CC Credit: Brian Herzog

This is great for avid readers and people in books clubs. You might not be able to get the book you want when you want it at your library, but you may be able to find it at a neighboring library. Out of residency fees for cards can run anywhere from $25-$200 a year.

New eReader/Tablet

I love downloading library eBooks. Maybe your library lover will too! The best devices at this moment, in my opinion, are the Amazon Kindles. If you also want to watch videos (some libraries offer services like Hoopla or IndieFlix that stream videos too), I suggest the Kindle Fire. Me, I prefer the E ink Kindles. They are easy to read and easy to load with titles. If you are an Apple family, the iPads work really well with library eBooks as well.

Hopefully that helped you cross someone off your list!

Best,
Amanda

Five Ideas for Library Holiday Programs

The holiday season is in full swing and we are all feeling quite festive, right? Here are five possible festivals or programs libraries could celebrate for various holidays. Some of these have already passed for this year, but it's never too early to start planning for next year! Maybe these ideas will inspire you to start a new tradition at your library.

Diwali Festival of Lights

CC Credit: Ravikiran Rao

Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrated in the fall that celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The holiday, which can take place over a five day period, includes prayer, fireworks, and feasts. The library could host an event in conjunction with a Priest from a Hindu Temple that had a lecture about the holiday and/or traditional food and dancing. Children could be encouraged to use sidewalk chalk to create colorful designs, or Rangoli, like the one pictured above.

Here are some libraries that host a similar program:
Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz, NY, News Story here.
Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood, MA. News Story here.
Maple Ridge Public Library in Maple Ridge, BC. New Story here.

Day of the Dead

CC Credit: Allan County (IN) Public Library 

Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the memory of the dead. This is a three day festival that takes place on October 31, November 1, and November 2. Families create altars and decorate the graves of loved ones. This holiday is filled with vibrant color and joyous celebration. Your library could have face painting, space for altars, sugar scull crafts and more to celebrate this holiday.

Here are some libraries that host a similar program:
San Juan Capistrano Regional Library in San Juan Capistrano, CA. News Story here.
Grand Rapids Public Library in Grand Rapids, MI. Website here.
Saint Helena Public Library in Saint Helena, CA. New Story here.

Fall Festival

CC Credit: Carrie Nelson

A fall festival is a celebration of fall and the harvest. Typically you will have pumpkin carving contests, fall comfort foods, and hay rides. Many libraries also include Halloween into their fall festivals with hunted mazes and costume contests. Ideally, the library could partner with the Parks Department to have the festival in an outdoor space.

Here are some libraries that host a similar program:
Dallas Public Library in Dallas, TX. News Story here.
Bowlby Public Library in Waynesburg, PA. News Story here.

Gingerbread House Competition 

CC Credit: Betty B

A great way to celebrate Christmas at the library would be through a Gingerbread House competition. Have families bring their own materials and build their houses at the library. Add a time limit of an hour to create urgency. The friends of the library could sell fresh baked gingerbread and hot cocoa to spectators.

Here is a library that host a similar program:
York Public Library in York, ME. News Story here.

Chinese New Year Festival

CC Credit: IQRemix

China and a few other East Asian cultures celebrate the New Year of the Lunar Calendar. The New Year is typically celebrated on a day in late January - mid February. In 2015, Chinese New Year will be February 19th and it will be the year of the Sheep according to the Chinese Zodiac. The library could do crafts, reach out to local Chinese markets, and host a Lion Dance.

Here are some libraries that host a similar program:
Harrison Public Library in Harrison, NY. Website here.
Los Angelos Public Library in Los Angelos, CA. Website here.
Harris County Public Library in Texas. Website here.

I hope this events have sparked ideas for your library. Find out what holiday your community celebrates and provide a space for the community to come together.

Best,
Amanda