I keep repeating the same display themes. Where can I find some ideas for fun or timely displays?

Displays are a great way to share the library’s resources and creativity with your customers.

Here are a couple of sources for new display ideas:

• Chase’s Calendar of Events, upcoming holidays
• Community Events, Neighborhood Activities
• News, Scandals
• Readers’ Advisory:
• Databases: NoveList (RA & School Resources) and Books and Authors (Browse by Genre)
• Read-alikes
• Booklists
• Authors: Visiting Authors, Author Tributes, and Award Winners
• Web Search – Google, Flickr, Library Thing
• Popular Display Topics: Gardening, Home Improvement, Sports, Back to School, etc.

Another possibility is to ask your staff for ideas. What are their interests? What are some popular subjects that they have noticed customers’ checking out? One of the most popular displays in bookstores is the Staff Picks display; why not try this at your library?
You might also do an informal survey of your patrons.What kinds of displays do they want to see? What are popular topics in school projects and papers? Maybe there is an upcoming school theater production that could generate a display topic. Staying in touch with the activities and themes popular with your customers is a sure way to create timely displays.