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.
Not feeling the love? Gain inspiration from previous Library Lovers Day libraries.
Lovely Libraries, the power of love has been given to you! You now have the opportunity to develop and produce your own Library Lovers Day merchandise using the templates below.
Library Lovers Bookmark (596kb) PDF
Library Lovers Postcard (311kb) PDF
Library Lovers Logo (95kb) PDF
Library Lovers Logo (63kb) PNG
Red heart single (25kb) PDF
Red hearts A4 page (3.8mb) JPEG
Temptation
Tempt your users by handing out bookmarks (template on this page) and little chocolate hearts to all library customers who borrow items through Library Lovers Week.
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.
Romance
Create a Library Lovers Day display with romantic books. Decorate the display with red balloons, flowers, streamers etc - it's amazing what a tip to the local discount store and a creative mind can achieve.
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
Persuade your colleagues to "dress" for the day - a touch of red is universally romantic
Consider holding a special event with guest speakers.
- Hold a reading (poetry or stories) with a focus on love
- 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.
Sharing
Create Library Lovers' "Hampers" and send them to your local media, politicians, councilors 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.
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!
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.
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.
Build on the concept of speed dating and host a "read" dating event where singles can meet others who enjoy similar books. Consider focusing on specific age groups it's been a hit with seniors.
Give the gift that lasts a lifetime; enrol someone you love as a library member!