biographies library display

15 Library Book Display Ideas for Your Next Read

Last updated on May 28, 2024

This article provides creative and effective display ideas to transform a library space and catch the reader’s attention immediately.

World Literature Tour

Showcase a diverse range of books from around the globe, grouped by their country of origin or cultural background. Incorporate maps and travel-themed decorations to enhance the visual appeal and educational value.

Rotate selections monthly to feature different regions, exposing readers to the vast array of world literature.

Books Into Movies

Capture the excitement of seeing favorite stories come to life with a display featuring novels that have been adapted into movies. Highlight current box office hits alongside their literary counterparts to encourage movie-goers to delve into the source material.

Use movie posters, DVDs, and book covers to create a visually appealing exhibit that draws a connection between literature and film.

Mystery Mayhem

Engage patrons with a curated selection of spine-tingling suspense novels , true crime tales , and whodunits .

Dramatically arrange titles with magnifying glasses , false mustaches , and other detective-themed props to intrigue and inspire .

Feature both classic sleuths and contemporary crime solvers to cater to a wide audience of mystery enthusiasts .

The Art of the Biography

Curate a display featuring the lives of historical figures, artists, and modern influencers through biographies and memoirs. Utilize timelines or thematic props to contextualize the eras and lives detailed within these narratives.

Highlight the diversity of experiences by including a range of subjects from various cultures and professions.

Dystopian Destinations

Explore a future where society has taken a stark turn with an array of classic and contemporary dystopian novels. This display unites tales of caution and adventure, drawing in readers with a penchant for speculative fiction .

Immerse patrons in imagined worlds where heroes face oppressive regimes and the human spirit is put to the test.

Cookbook Cornucopia

A Cookbook Cornucopia display showcases a diverse spread of culinary literature, inviting patrons to explore global cuisines and cooking techniques. This vibrant array incorporates both time-honored classics and modern, fusion kitchen trends, catering to food enthusiasts and home chefs alike.

Visual props like utensils and ingredients can accentuate the theme, stimulating the senses and encouraging culinary experimentation.

Green Reads (Eco and Sustainability)

Showcase a collection of books that explore environmental themes, ranging from personal sustainability practices to global eco-activism.

Highlight titles that offer practical tips for green living , detailed analyses of climate change , and narratives of environmental pioneers .

Use natural elements like plants or recycled materials to decorate the display, underscoring the section’s focus on conservation and ecological awareness .

Graphic Novel Galaxy

Showcase the expansive universe of graphic novels by grouping together heroes, villains, and epic narratives. Highlight a mix of classic tales and new-age graphics to appeal to both long-time aficionados and new readers.

Incorporate visually engaging props such as action figures or thematic backdrops to complement the vibrant artwork of the displayed titles.

Mindful Reading (Wellness and Meditation)

Curate a selection of titles focused on mental health , self-care , and meditation practices to foster a tranquil atmosphere.

Highlight bestsellers and hidden gems that provide readers with tools and techniques for mindfulness .

Arrange calming decor and soft lighting to enhance the peaceful experience of browsing this thoughtful collection.

Sea of Sequels

Dive into continuing sagas where tales stretch across multiple volumes, beckoning readers to follow their beloved characters on further adventures. Spotlight series that have captured the hearts of readers, fostering a sense of community and anticipation for each new release.

Encourage patrons to embark on lengthy literary voyages with displays that accentuate the depth and evolution present in serial storytelling.

Science and Tech Titans

Highlight groundbreaking works and cutting-edge advancements with a curated selection of science and technology-themed books. Feature biographies of renowned scientists alongside the latest publications discussing artificial intelligence , robotics , and space exploration .

Engage patron interest with interactive elements, such as QR codes linking to related TED Talks or science podcasts.

Spine-Chilling Thrillers

Evoke suspense and curiosity by arranging thrillers that shock and entertain, with covers showcasing shadowy figures or ominous landscapes .

Highlight critically acclaimed authors and bestsellers , enticing patrons to explore complex characters and twisted plots.

Accent the display with faux caution tape and magnifying glasses to underscore the intrigue these novels possess.

Books From the Last Decade

Highlight recently published gems by arranging titles released in the past ten years. This display showcases the evolution of literature and ongoing trends in various genres. Encourage readers to explore modern narratives and authors who are defining the current literary scene.

Poetic Places

Celebrate poetry from around the globe by grouping collections based on their geographical origins. Highlight celebrated poets and place related travelogues or cultural guides beside their works. Enrich the display with maps or photographs that bring the verses’ settings to life.

Genre Journeys

Travel through the landscapes of fiction with a display that takes readers from romance to science fiction , fantasy to historical novels .

Highlight a different genre each month, inviting patrons to discover new authors and classic tales.

Enhance the experience with themed decorations, reading lists, and matching bookmarks for a complete literary adventure.

Ideas Elsewhere

• https://whatareyoureadingblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/07/20-year-round-library-display-ideas/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/LibraryDisplays/
• https://www.stayingcoolinthelibrary.us/library-book-display-ideas-for-every-month-of-the-year/
• https://ontarianlibrarian.com/library-display-ideas/

Read More Like This

Library Management

Lesson Plans

Reading Motivation

Library Skills

Reading & Literacy

Library Book Display Ideas for Every Month of the Year

• stayingcoolinthelibrary
• February 16, 2023
• One Comment
• Holidays , Library Management , Picture books , Reading Engagement , Reading Motivation , Student Engagement , Tips & Tricks

As librarians, we always look for new ways and opportunities to get students reading and enjoying it! Having a monthly book display is a great way to bring awareness to each month’s different topics, seasons, and celebrations. Plus, you can get students interested in brand-new books that might have been hidden on the shelves and out of sight. I know that creating library book displays can take some time, especially when you start running out of creativity mid-year. I put together a list of library book display ideas for the entire year. You can use one of these ideas or use this list to get your creative juices flowing.

Materials To Use For a Library Book Display

Creating an eye-catching library book display doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. I’m all for saving the extra dollar! A few key items can make the process of creating a display smoother and more enjoyable.

First, you’ll want to start with a sturdy, versatile display stand or shelf. You want something that can hold a variety of book sizes and stand out in a busy library. Next, think about visual elements like colorful posters , themed decorations, book stands , or props that tie to your display theme. It could be a string of lights for a winter wonderland display or small props for a summer adventure theme . These little touches can make a big difference.

Don’t forget signage! Clear and fun labels can help our students know exactly what your display is about and draw them in to explore. You also want to keep things fresh! Regularly switch out the books and themes so your students always have something new to discover. With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can craft displays that catch the eye and inspire your students to dive into new reads.

January Ideas for a Library Book Display

Not only is January the first month of the year, but it also includes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and is a part of winter. It’s a perfect time to set the tone for the year ahead. What better way to do that than with a fresh library book display? By tying in key themes like new beginnings, leadership, and the beauty of the winter season, you can create a display that resonates with students and sparks their curiosity. Here are a few creative library book display ideas for January:

• National Hobby Month – Share books about various hobbies and sports.
• January 2nd – National Science Fiction Day – Display your science fiction books.
• January 4th – National Trivia Day – Hold a trivia contest and have students look up the answers in the library.
• January 8th – Earth’s Rotation Day – Show off your space and Earth-themed books.
• January 17th – Kid Inventors Day – Learn about inventions.
• No-Name Calling Week (3rd week in January) – Display books about kindness!
• January 24th – Global Belly Laugh Day – Anything related to friendship and positivity.

Library Books Display Ideas for February

I think all students are aware that February is the month of candy, cards, and hearts with Valentine’s Day. There’s so much more to explore in February beyond love and romance! This month is filled with opportunities to dive into new topics, celebrate kindness, and spark students’ imaginations with fun themes. Here are some additional fun days that do and don’t revolve around love.

• Books We Love – Have students recommend their favorite books for the display.
• February 7th – Safe Internet Day – Teach and review internet safety.
• February 17th – Random Acts of Kindness Day – Books about friendship and kindness are a great fit.
• February 26th – Tell a Fairy Tale Day – Bring out all the fairy tales!
• All About Love – Display any books about family and friendship (or relationships for older students!)

March Book Display Ideas

With March comes spring! It’s the perfect time to refresh your library displays with books that celebrate new beginnings, the changing seasons, and the excitement of the upcoming Spring Break. From stories about growth to tales of adventure and discovery, there are many creative ways to captivate our students’ interest during this time. Here are some more library book display ideas to choose from.

• Spring Showers – Books that make you want to cry!
• March 3rd – Return Borrowed Books Week – no explanation necessary!
• March 12th – Plant a Flower Day – Any books on gardening and flowers.
• March 20th – World Storytelling Day – Choose books from students’ favorite authors.
• Hello Spring – Books about the new season or activities that happen during spring.

Creating April Book Displays

April is a bit trickier since the only big holidays are April Fools’ Day (and sometimes Easter). Don’t worry, there are still plenty of creative opportunities to celebrate with your library displays. From fun and quirky observances to days that highlight reading, you can find plenty of inspiration to keep students engaged. Luckily, there are some fun national days you can celebrate, too!

• April Fools – It’s time to pull out those comedy and joke books.
• April 2nd – National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day – Cookbooks and food-related books!
• April 3rd – Find a Rainbow Day – Showcase books all about the weather.
• April 12th – D.E.A.R. Day – Drop Everything and Read.
• April 23rd – Take a Chance Day – Books on courage, trial and error, and not giving up.

May is for A-MAY-zing Book Displays

Most holidays in May tend to revolve around Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. However, plenty of other fun opportunities exist to create engaging library book displays. May offers plenty of inspiration to keep our students excited about reading. Here are some fun opportunities for library book display ideas.

• May 2nd – International Harry Potter Day – Celebrate all things Harry Potter.
• May the Fourth Be With You – Showcase those Star Wars-themed books.
• May 9th – Alphabet Day – Display a book for every letter of the alphabet!
• May 12th – National Limerick Day – Have fun with limerick books, and maybe hold a limerick contest.
• May 20th – Be a Millionaire Day – Display novels on careers, money, and financial literacy.

June Library Book Display Ideas

If you’re still in school during June, it’s the perfect time to get students excited about summer with some fun, summer-themed library book display ideas. You can also throw in some lighthearted and silly topics to keep things engaging as students start looking forward to their summer break. Here are a few ideas to bring some seasonal excitement to your library!

• Summer Fun – Think campy, lighthearted books to read during the summer.
• Flag Day – Share books with characters and settings from around the world.
• Dive into a Good Book – Showcase the top checked-out books of the school year.
• June 27th – Helen Keller Day – Display books from inspirational figures like Helen Keller.

July Book Displays for the Library

Not only do we have the Fourth of July with fireworks and cookouts, but your book displays can also celebrate the fun and excitement of summer in other ways. July offers plenty of opportunities to create eye-catching displays that will keep students reading all summer long. Here are a few more ideas to keep the excitement going in July!

• Keep It Cool – Share winter-themed books to feel a bit “cooler” in July.
• Christmas in July – It’s never too early for Christmas Around the World.
• July 1st – American Zoo Day – Bring out all the animal-themed books!
• July 11th – Cheer Up the Lonely Day – Share lighthearted reads that make great book companions.
• July 19th – World Listening Day – highlight audiobooks if your library has them.
• July 22nd – Hammock Day – Books about the great outdoors are perfect for this holiday.

August Library Book Displays

Celebrate Back to School season with intriguing library book display ideas that instantly spark curiosity and excitement. Hook students into reading from day one by showcasing fun, engaging books that help ease the transition back to school. With the right displays, you can create an inviting atmosphere that encourages students to explore new titles and dive into reading from the start!

• August 5th – Campfire Day – Create a camp read-a-lot display with adventure-packed books.
• August 9th – Book Lover’s Day – Favorite books for each grade level.
• August 26th – Dog Appreciation Day – Who doesn’t love dogs? Hook students with adorable puppy books.
• Friendship Week (3rd week in August) – Any book with friendships will work in this display.

Books Displays for September

Back to school continues for some this month. Some students may be making their first trips to the library. This is the perfect opportunity to create an inviting atmosphere with library book displays that spark their curiosity. Whether it’s highlighting popular reads or tying into the excitement of new beginnings, these library book display ideas will help get students excited about reading and exploring all the library has to offer!

• Happy Cat Month – Showcase all your cat books, both fiction and non-fiction.
• Little League Month – Share stories about baseball and famous players.
• September 9th – Teddy Bear Day – Have students bring their teddy bear to school, maybe even have a teddy bear picnic.
• September 13th – Positive Thinking Day – Share books with a positive theme and message.
• September 13th – Roald Dahl Day – Celebrate the wonderful books of Roald Dahl.
• September 19th – Talk Like a Pirate Day – Showcase pirate books and stories.

Fun Themes for October Library Book Displays

October may not be all about spooky stories, but it’s still a great time to captivate students with a fresh library book display! From celebrating music and the art of teaching to diving into the wonders of astronomy and magic, there are plenty of engaging themes to explore. Here’s how you can bring a touch of excitement to your October displays.

• October 1st – International Music Day – Share biographies about various musicians and the history of musical genres.
• October 5th – World Teacher Day – Have teachers recommend their favorite books and share stories about school.
• October 12th – Cookbook Launch Day – Showcase a display full of cookbooks and recipes.
• October 16th – Dictionary Day
• October 28th – Astronomy Day – Anything related to the Earth, moon, and stars fit here.
• October 31st – Magic Day – Got any books on magic? It’s their time to shine.

November Library Book Display Ideas

Thanksgiving is the most notable holiday in November. That doesn’t mean you can’t share books with other engaging themes. Whether you’re highlighting cultural traditions, celebrating creativity, or diving into aviation history, there are plenty of exciting topics to feature in your library displays throughout the month. Here are some additional themes to consider for November!

• November 1st – Author’s Day – Create a book display with authors of various backgrounds.
• November 1st and 2nd – Dia De Los Muertos – Share the holidays, traditions, and stories of the Day of the Dead.
• November 8th – Tongue Twister Day
• November 24th – Showcase Your Unique Talent Day
• Aviation History Month – Show off any books related to aviation or transportation.
• National Adoption Month – Share books about adoption and the families we choose.

December Ideas For A Library Book Display

You don’t have to have a Christmas-themed book display to celebrate December. There are plenty of other creative and interesting topics to showcase during this chilly month. From highlighting winter adventures to exploring holidays around the world, there are endless opportunities to keep students excited about reading all through December. Here are some other library book display ideas for this festive season!

• December 1st – Rosa Parks Day – Share stories about leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
• December 8th – Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day – Historical books that take you back in time.
• December 8th – Dewey Decimal Day!
• Holidays Around the World – Books about Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Hanukkah, and more!
• By the Fire – Any books related to the chilly weather or that take place somewhere cold.

Additional Resources For School Librarians

We have a lot on our plate, from managing book circulation and collaborating with homeroom teachers to meeting the diverse needs of every student who walks through our library doors. It’s a constant balancing act. With the right tools and resources, it becomes much more manageable. Take time to explore the following resources that can help make your job a little easier and even more impactful.

• Tips and Advice for a New School Librarian
• How to Support English Language Learners in the School Library
• Resources for Special Education Students During Library Time

Introduce New Books to Students With A Library Book Display

As we wrap up this list of library book display ideas, I hope you feel inspired to get creative with your displays throughout the year. Whether you’re spotlighting a specific genre, a fun national holiday, or simply highlighting student recommendations, these displays can greatly impact how students connect with books. Keep in mind that it’s all about making reading fun and accessible. If you’re looking for a ready-to-go resource, don’t forget to check out my special days posters that go along with these ideas. They’ll save you time and keep things fresh! Let’s make this year one full of joyful reading discoveries for every student who walks through our library doors.

Special Days Display Posters – School Library or Classroom

Save for later.

Remember to save this post to your favorite school library Pinterest board for quick access to these school library book display ideas!

Thank you for subscribing! A confirmation message has been sent to you with a link you MUST click on in order to begin receiving emails and gain access to the free resource library. Open your inbox and look for a message from " [email protected] ".

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

One Response

If you go to my store and filter the price from 0-1, you can see all my free products. There are some different posters you can download.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

QUICK LINKS

RESOURCE LIBRARY

BESTSELLING PRODUCTS

DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS

RESEARCH SKILLS

NOPREP PRINTABLES

PICTURE BOOK ACTIVITIES

LEGAL STUFF

DISCLOSURE POLICY

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2024 STAYING COOL IN THE LIBRARY | All Rights Reserved

Privacy Overview

Great Library Displays and How Effective They Are

Lucas Maxwell

Lucas Maxwell has been working with youth in libraries for over fifteen years. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, he's been a high school librarian in London, UK for over a decade. In 2017 he won the UK's School Librarian of the Year award and in 2022 he was named the UK Literacy Association's Reading For Pleasure Teacher Champion. He loves Dungeons & Dragons and is the author of Let's Roll: A Guide for Setting up Tabletop Roleplaying Games in Your School or Public Library. You can follow him on Twitter and on his blog .

View All posts by Lucas Maxwell

Creating great library displays can be tough, and I’ll admit that I’m not the best at it. I’m not crafty or organised enough to ensure that my displays are rotated on a timely basis. To sit and think of a display is really tricky in my opinion, as every time I try to make one I think that I’m failing at it and not doing as well as other people do.

That’s where social media comes in. By using Twitter and Instagram, I feel you can find some pretty amazing library displays ideas that won’t take up too much time or kill your budget.

Using hashtags like #LibraryDisplays can be just one way to find some great ideas to keep library displays going in your school or public library space. I’ve included a bunch below with some general discussion around them.

Doing displays on video games or memes can be tricky. Trying too hard in front of teens and middle graders is a death sentence. I was concerned when I made one called “Books to Read if You Love Fortnite” but I was pleasantly surprised with that one as well. I also feel that this one works because it is slightly more subtle and allows the books to really jump out. This display has been very popular with students. I have it right by the door as they come in, and it has often stopped them in their tracks.

Thank you for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. By signing up you agree to our terms of use

Using sticky notes is a great way to make a colourful displays. I haven’t done one of these in a while but there are two things going for it in my opinion. It is nice and bright and it incorporates student voices. I love having students contribute to a library display, it helps remind everyone that the library is their space and their voice matters.

This one takes time but is something you can add to and change over time, making it a more permanent display. I created a version that is “Books to Read Before You Leave Glenthorne” and to be honest, I’ve rotated a few out here and there and added more to it. It’s on the wall by the computer area and also gets a lot of attention. Many students have approached it, scanned it with their finger in the air, trying to see if there is a cover that jumps out at them. I really love seeing this.

This is another great use of sticky notes. This time it’s not to promote books but to simply allow students to say nice things about their teachers. Teachers are busy, students are busy, often long interactions in low numbers are only happening when there is something negative going on, this is a nice way to combat this. It’s an easy idea to help students share some love.

This one got a lot of attention, not only because I included a cartoon of He Who Won’t Be Named. I made this small display around the time I was running my library lessons on misinformation and responsible researching. I used it to highlight our new non fiction books and it was really popular.

It’s okay for library displays to have a message, in my opinion. I wanted this one to stand out and it did. Read Woke is an idea created by Cicely Lewis , an amazing librarian who has created some amazing initiatives. I wanted to make a display to highlight the amazing range of stories by diverse authors in our library and to bring to light important societal issues.

Library displays have the ability to shout very loudly in a library without actually saying anything. They jump out at you, demand your attention, and make you consider things outside of your own headphones.

Planning Biographies for your Classroom Library

• Do you have variety in the type of people for them to explore?  (Ex. Athletes, Inventors, Activists, Women)
• Are there a variety of people from the past and present?
• Do you want to remove and set aside content area biographies for when you might be studying that topic later in your curriculum?

Once you think about the makeup of your biography section, you will want to consider the reading strategies you might use to support students be successful in the genre. (See our previous blog post, Thinking About Biography , for a few ideas!)

• There are many options to consider when selecting biographies you want to read to your students.  One place to search for texts would be to draw from the important people associated with your content areas. 
• Another option for your selections is to think about the text structures you want to expose your readers to. In fiction, it’s relatively easy because stories all operate the same way (character, setting, plot, etc) However, Biographies are written in various formats such as an expository format (straight facts), Narrative Nonfiction (facts told like a story), and Graphic format. Graphic Biographies are a newer format to this genre. 

• Another idea for Read Aloud selections is to think about current events. Right now, the Olympics are happening and students might love to hear you read aloud and have them talk about something in which they are currently immersed. Browse through our selection of biographies for ideas! Go to kaeden.com/collections/biography .

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter