NSLA News - March 2019: 4th Quarter Push

It’s nearing the end of the year and where did the time go? The end of the school year also brings probably the largest book return you see all year. Here are some ideas for book displays and book return incentives! I hope they give you a boost for your 4th quarter!
 
Book Return Bulletin Boards

• Memes – There are so many book return memes out there. All it takes is one Google search! This is one of my favorites. (Taken from Literary Hoots)

• Countdown – Create a countdown of all of the books that need to be returned. Update it each morning so your students can see the number get smaller. (Taken from Susan Elhajj Hanlon on Facebook)

• Competition – Make returning books a competition and show off which classrooms have brought back all of their books. (Taken from Rebecca Dickenson on Facebook)

• Characters – Use your favorite character to tell your students to return their library books. (Taken from The Teacher Librarian)
  

Book Return Incentives

• Coupons – Check with local establishments. Some businesses have coupons that you can give to students for a free or discounted item. For example: Dairy Queen may give you coupons for a free Dilly Bars. 
• Mosaic Poster – Students will earn a sticker to place on the large poster. When all mosaic pieces are place, it creates a neat picture. There are a few options to purchase out there.
• Competition – While this may only work for homerooms or elementary classes, make returning books a competition!  The classes that bring back all of their books can earn a prize, makerspace time, extra recess or party. Popcorn, anyone?
• Raffle – If you have a large population, hold a daily drawing for a paperback book, some candy or leftover book fair trinkets or posters. 
• Amnesty Week – This is an awesome idea for libraries that charge fines for overdue materials! Pick a week for students to turn books in and all fines are waived.
• Work off the fines – For students who have lost a book and cannot pay the fine, offer small tasks the student can complete in the library to “work” off their fine.

Do you have end of year ideas that have worked for you, but are not listed? Feel free to share them on the NSLA Community Facebook Page!

​Rachel Westphalen