How do I promote old books?

Question: How do I promote some of the “Old books” that are in my library?

Response: This is a very good question. We all have some wonderful stories in our libraries, but the covers are worn, or the book jackets are worn out, faded, and just not as attractive as new books can be. Here are some ideas that I have used.

1. Set up a shelf or a special display area and put up a sign that proclaims this to be the “Lonely Books shelf”. Pull out some of the older books that have not been checked out for a while. The books are lonely because no one has checked them out for a long time.

2. Ask the students to read an old book and design a new book jacket for the book. This could even be their book report.

3. Read the book aloud or read parts of different books to stimulate interest.

4. Tell the students that it is time to weed the books to make room for newer books. Ask for their help since you cannot read all of the books. Ask them to read some of the older books and give you their opinion of the book as to whether it is a book that others would like or if it isn’t worthy of a place on the shelves any longer. When the student(s) have read the book, they will report to you their opinion. Remember, just because a student doesn’t like it doesn’t mean you HAVE to get rid of it. If they liked it, they may promote it themselves.

5. Usually minor repairs can be done to keep books looking less tattered and torn.


Have a great week,
Audrey