Theme Idea - Alternatives to New Year/New You

It's almost New Year's Day and time for those articles and books about how we can all be better in 2023. I am not a huge fan of the theme of "New Year, New You" because we don't need to be a new person. There are always opportunities to do something new and different. I would suggest that that is the direction for your New Year's displays. 

One option is "Learn Something New." Get with the programming librarians and have some local experts come in and teach your patrons new hobbies or skills. There are always things about cooking, crafts, gardening, sports, the outdoors, and so forth that your patrons may be curious about. Here's a picture of a display I did in 2019: 


Don't forget that you can use your language programs, local services, and materials as part of learn something new! Tie together your databases to a Learn Something New book display or list with QR codes or links. Add bookmarks to the books. Don't restrict what you mean by learn or which topics are included. 

Go Somewhere New is another theme. Beyond travel books and DVDs, don't forget fiction in translation and books about faraway places. Remind your patrons that they can use their libraries to explore the world without leaving their home. Include local places of interest because everyone has local places where they have not yet explored. 

For those with cooking programs, there is always the opportunity to pair one of them with a  Cook Something New display. Introduce your patrons to cuisines and flavors they have not yet tried. Even without a program, you can check with your circulation department and see which parts of your cookbook collection have not been checked out recently. 

One that work with just fiction is Try A New Series. Dig out older series or those which haven't received the attention they should and put them on a display. Include lists of the series in order and QR codes to your eBook collection. 

Finally I would suggest a Meet Someone New display. Put forth those biographical eBooks, eAudiobooks, DVDs, audiobooks, and books from your collection which need some love and put them out there. It's a display which can move your backlist as well as let patrons meet some people who they may know nothing about. It's also easy for anyone on staff, regardless of title, to fill. Just remind everyone that the titles on display should be as diverse and inclusive as possible. The world is a big place, filled with lots of people. 

Happiest of New Year wishes to everyone! I hope 2023 brings you more reading and peace. 

More resources: 

Programming Librarian from the ALA has ideas for programs. 
Options to find series in order: BookSeriesInOrder.com; Fantastic Fiction; Books Radar; KDL's What's Next Database




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