Birthday Books: Making Your School Library Rock

Wish you had an awesome library at your child’s school?  Dream of having new releases, sturdy hard-backs or beautiful picture books come home with your student? Does your school library have all your favorites?  It’s hard to beat the experience of introducing a childhood favorite to your own child.

To read a book for the first time is to make an acquaintance with a new friend; to read it for a second time is to meet an old one.  ~Chinese Saying

Our local elementary has started an informal fundraising idea called ‘The Birthday Book’ program.  Families make a donation and recommend a small or large, a soft- or hard-back book.

Here’s how it works-

The Amazing Librarian/Media Specialist Reviews & Shops

The Librarian compares the student recommendation to the current library holdings.  If your book passes the test, then it’s time to go shopping.  Once purchased, birthday books are given a special bookplate with the name of the student donor and her grade in school.

Birthday Students Get Special Treatment

What joy! The birthday student is first in line to take “his” book home for two weeks.  Watch and be amazed at the pride and care shown to that book.

Search & Treasure-Checking Out  A Friend’s Book

Want to increase circulation? Imagine the excitement as each student searches for a classmate’s birthday book to read.  Voila! The process of recommending books to a friend is born.

The Books Live On

Sharing a favorite book with the library builds a legacy for the future.  Won’t little sister be thrilled when it’s her turn to read big brother’s birthday book?

Want a jump start on building your school’s library?  Leave a comment here telling us a favorite book you’ve shared with a child.

Tags: Back To School, favorite children's books, Featured, library fundraiser, school library