The Counselor that shares my library office told me just before we left for Winter Break: “I’m impressed; the kids tell me you decorate for EVERY holiday. They love being in here!” She must have been admiring the twinkling colored lights adorning the book return and the garland of mini homemade presents (including in Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah colors) draped over our door! But thinking back, I do spend a lot of time making the Library a festive and fun place that kids will like to be in. In fact, most of the decorating is done by my student aides (and most of the time, they’re far better at it and much more creative that I would be). I think it goes along way to sending the message to students passing by “HEY! Come on in, we are happy and nice in here!”
Knowing that I value this, I realize the issue of money is, well, and issue. California has NO, let me repeat that, NO funding for anyone, so most Librarians are having to scramble for even the basics. I’m lucky I can still get book tape. And I know I certainly don’t approve of spending tons of cash on superficial, showy stuff. But this is a little different. So in addition to having my aides make alot of our fabulous decor (Valentine’s Day is coming, let’s get started cutting out those construction paper hearts!) I have a trick for getting some beautiful things to bring warmth and joy to your Library for literally pennies: shop the day after.
Our local Target store always discounts holiday items heavily as soon as the holiday passes; most places probably do. I picked up some festive garland and lights for 75% off. I’ll tuck these away, and next year, it’ll be waiting for us with every bit as much Holiday Spirit.
