Fall in Love with a Book

February is going strong in the AAE library! I have had lots of fun with the activities and displays this month. I broke in my new Cricut, and made a saying for the circulation desk.

Blind Date with a Book 

This year, I thought I would try the "blind date with a book" display. I really didn't think it would be as popular, but I had over 70 of these checked out. My student aides helped me decorate the bags, instead of using wrapping paper. Using the bags made it so easy. 

On the front of the bag I wrote the barcode number so we could check out the book, and I wrote some words and phrases to describe the book inside without giving away the surprise. The students were told to not open the book until they got home, then when they return the book their name is entered into a drawing. 

Speed Dating with Books

In the past, I have done book tasting with my elementary students, but I thought I would try something different with 7th graders. So, I found the idea on Pinterest to do "Speed Dating". It is the same as book tasting, just with a different theme. I threw some red plastic tablecloths on the table, and put a centerpiece in the middle. I decided to categorize the tables by genre, so I made a genre sign for each table as well. 

During the activity, students moved around to the different tables. The directions were to:

1. At your table, look at the book covers and see what appeals to you. 
2. For 3 minutes, spend time with a book to get to know it. Read the summary on the back or the back jacket, or read the first couple of pages. 
3. If you find a book you want to spend more time with, take it with you. You can always change your mind if you find a better book along the way. 

While students browsed the books at the tables, I played oldie love songs. They loved it, especially when SWEET CAROLINE by Neil Diamond played. 

Mindfulness 

Students in middle school today are really stressed and have a lot of school work they have to do. I try to relieve that stress as much as possible by providing them a quiet, relaxing place to come to. This particular morning I set out coloring pages and provided markers. 

It makes my heart happy that so many of our students enjoy coming to the library and know that they have a relaxing place to come to when they need to chill out.