Forget Valentines' Day, 14 February has been re-named "library lovers' day"! Take the opportunity to celebrate those who love and support us and to remind decision makers how "loved" we are.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Library Lovers Bookmark (200kb)
Library Lovers Postcard (200kb)
Library Lovers Logo (95kb) JPEG
Library Lovers Logo (63kb) PNG
Red heart single (25kb) JPEG
Red hearts A4 page (3.8mb) JPEG
Create Library Lovers' "Hampers" and send them to your local media, politicians, councillors and decision makers in your organisation and in your community. Tie them up with heaps of ribbon for a truly romantic effect. Accompany them with some information about Library Lovers' Day and information about your library – how many people use it how often etc. Consider filling the envelope with some heart shaped sprinkles.
Decorate your library to create a "lovely" effect Balloons, flowers, streamers etc - it's amazing what a trip to the local discount store and a creative mind can achieve.
Think about playing some romantic music over your public address system - it could be classical, schmaltzy or something in between - but make sure you have the appropriate APRA license.
Host a library lovers' morning tea for clients, volunteers or for staff. Use a heart shaped cutter to make your sandwiches fit the bill, have a big bowl of luscious strawberries and don't forget the chocolates.
Everyone loves a freebie - offer complimentary reservations for a day.
Speaking of gifts why not offer a present to anyone who was born or married on 14 February - packaged in a library bag of course!
Be shameless in promoting the library and encouraging your users to "declare their love". Create a space where users can say what they love about their library. We'll be popping some postcards on the site before 14 February for you to download... these would make a great display.
Promote your collections - use lines like "go to bed with a book", or "share a book with someone you love". It's also a great opportunity to showcase your romance, relationship enhancement or true love (ie biography) titles.
Tempt users to have a blind date with a book and venture outside their comfort zone! Wrap it in brown paper (tied up with string!) and encourage them to take one home as an "extra". To make it easier write the barcode on the outside of the package.
Get your users involved. Download our "Love this Book" bookmarks (from this page) and encourage users to place on in a book that they've enjoyed as a recommendation to other readers.
Give the gift that lasts a lifetime; enrol someone you love as a library member!
Build on the concept of speed dating and host a "read" dating event where singles can meet others who enjoy similar books. Consider focussing on specific age groups it's been a hit with seniors.
Develop a quiz based around the theme of romance - use words, quotes, anniversaries and famous lovers as a basis. Consider younger users as well. Chocolates make great prizes.
Consider holding a special event with guest speakers.
- Hold a reading (poetry or stories) with a focus on love - it's such a wide field there'll be scope for romantic, humorous, bush ballads ...
- Invite a Marriage Celebrant to share some insights into their job
- Arrange for a Romance Writer to visit or host a Romance Writers' Workshop
- Flowers and Valentine's Day are synonymous - consider a flower arranging workshop or a talk on roses.
Become a matchmaker! Pop a sign on the circulation desk "We'll help you find the book of your dreams" or perhaps "if you've got the question we would love to answer it"
Use your research skills and create a pamphlet of romantic things to do on Valentine's Day. Personalise it for your community by including details of local places to go and things to see. Perhaps there's a shady nook in your park or a place by the river. Consult with your colleagues; you'll have a list before you know it.
Use your skills to create eye-catching displays.
- Bring together all things romantic - romance novels, DVDs, CDs
- Link romantic films that have made it to the screen
- Wedding photos old and new - who knows what's lurking in your collection
- Beg and borrow quilts with a love theme
...the possibilities are endless
Create some fun "classifieds" and post them around the library "Seeking book loving adventurous, open-minded person who enjoys a mystery with romantic elements, unopened and lonely. Dumped in Adult Fiction. Call [insert a call number or the library's phone number]"
Dream up some slogans to suit the occasion:
- Be a novel lover @ your library
- Libraries, the best chapter in your life
- You can tell a book by its lover
Persuade your colleagues to "dress" for the day - a touch of red is universally romantic
And above all, have fun :-)