Display Tips & Tricks

When creating displays, it is very important to make sure you have enough materials to replenish the display. But there are a few pitfalls!

Here are few rules to follow when creating displays:



1. Don’t overcrowd

When setting up a display, be careful not to overcrowd the display. It’s important to create a display that is easy for customers to browse. The titles in the above display are difficult to read and not very inviting.



2. Don’t skimp

The above display is easy to read and looks balanced; however, if a customer decides to check out one or two of the titles, the display will look empty. To avoid this pitfall, be sure to add a few more titles to fill out the display. If possible, use book easels available from library vendors.

3. Just Right!

The best solution to avoid the above pitfalls is to create a display that is balanced and eye catching. In the above example, the display is balanced and each title is clearly visible. In addition, materials are readily available to replenish the display, as needed. Always remember to display replacement books with the spine out.

By following these three simple rules, your displays will be eye catching, inviting, and balanced.

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.

How do I put together a good looking display in limited space?

An attractive book display can be put together in any type of space. Whether you have a large table, a book truck, or the corner of a shelf shouldn’t matter. Once you know where the display is going to be, the next thing you have to do is pick a display subject. Find some attractive books on the display subject to see what you have to work with.

Start putting the books in the display area – it’s a good idea to visualize the shape of the display first. A couple of common display shapes are the pyramid and class picture (big books in the middle or at the top, smaller books on the outside corners). Remember, you don’t have to use all of the books at once. It’s nice to have a few extra titles put aside to fill in the gaps as books get checked out. If there are multiple copies of titles feel free to use them – standing up one book on top of the same title can add some height to the display.

Once the books are displayed stand back and look at it. Can you see the titles of all of the books? Is there an eye catching cover that will draw the patron over? Is the display subject clear? You may not get the display right the first time, but that’s part of the fun!

You can find more photos of displays done at both SLRC and other Maryland County libraries on Flickr.

To read some articles about the importance of book displays visit our Delicious page.