Library at Lunch - School Library Program Idea

While I’ve been working in the school library environment for several years, this is my first year as an official middle school library media specialist. I’ve been really enjoying it and the challenges that come with this new role. Recently I decided to try a new initiative to bring the library TO the students and called it “Library at Lunch” - and I’m happy to report it was a great success! | This post contains affiliate links |

My idea was to bring a cart of high-interest books, magazines, and “blind books” to the students during lunch. I made sure to represent different genres and choose titles that are popular or had a catchy title, as well as some new books and interesting nonfiction and coffee table-type books. I made sure not overwhelm with choices and only filled one side of the cart. I think sometimes students come into the library and feel overwhelmed… there’s just too many choices - but this made it easier with a smaller selection of fun items to choose from.

Since it was the week of Valentine’s Day I leaned into that with some “Blind Date with a Book” blind books. I picked 8 books that I think most kids wouldn’t mind reading, each from different genre. I wrapped them in bulletin board paper and wrote out little tags (made in Canva) with some very vague information about each book - I wrote just a few words describing the book, the genre, and the barcode number so I could check it out to students.

When I got to lunch I stood behind the cart with my laptop on the back top shelf like it was a checkout counter, then started going around visiting tables. I felt a little like an airline stewardess (drinks? pretzels?) as I went around asking students if they would like to check anything out from the cart. I made sure it was no-pressure and if they weren’t interested I thanked them for looking and moved on to the next table.

The kids LOVED the “Blind Date with a Book” books and those got checked out quickly! They were excited to open them and see what book they got. Kids that never come to the library checked out books or magazines that day. I’m happy to say “Library at Lunch” was a huge success!

Going forward I’d like to do this for each grade every-other-month… I think it’s important to spread it out a little so the novelty doesn’t wear off. I think if we did this too-frequently it wouldn’t get as much excitement. Also spreading it out a bit allows for more new books to be included when I bring the cart.

Overall, I’m very excited with how it went and I’m excited to continue this library program going forward!

All posters, signs, and book tags I created using Canva.

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DIY Valentine Postcards - Perfect Project for Toddlers and Kids!

Last year I started the tradition of having our little one make Valentines for close family and friends.  This year I wanted to continue the tradition but find a way to make them as inexpensive as possible, and so I settled on the idea of DIY Valentine Postcards.  
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Materials:

• non-glossy poster board

• finger paint

• toilet paper tubes

• tape

• ruler

• scissors

• sharpie marker

• paper cutter (optional)

• postage stamps for postcards

How-to:  

One of the reasons I decided to make postcards this year instead of traditional cards was, not only are postcards cuter, they cost almost 30% less to mail than a traditional card - these postage savings add up!  As a result, this project cost next to nothing to do.  I already had the paint, toilet paper rolls, rulers, etc. - I just had to run down to the local store and pick up a piece of poster board which cost a whopping 99 cents.  

The simple supplies

The how-to is pretty straight forward: use a ruler to measure and cut out your postcards (I made mine 4x5.5", but you can check here for more details on postcard requirements).  If you have a paper cutter that can come in quite handy to make quick work of cutting them out.  

Next use a ruler and a sharpie to create the back of the postcard, one line down the middle and then three lines on the right hand side for the address.  

Next let your toddler go to town!  I put down one card at a time to keep the backs clean from paint as well as to keep them from getting over-saturated.  To make the heart "stamp" I used toilet paper tubes bent into a heart shape and held together with tape.     

Once the cards were done I let our little one go crazy on the table covering.  

The cards drying - they came out pretty great!!  

I kept the backs very basic with a simple handwritten message and a little heart stamp.  

I hope you enjoyed this little Valentine DIY!  It was very quick and easy and the possibilities are endless when it comes to how you want to paint, color, or draw the front of the postcard.  

Happy Valentine's Day!  

Check out our other Valentine's Posts:  

• Toddler Art Valentines

• Apple Rose Tarts for Valentine's Day