Simple Centrepieces and Props for Great Library Displays

Simple Display Centrepieces

Five Minutes to Terrific!

(Photos from Flickr members are below. Click to see full-size.)

Use paper gift bags, boxes, baskets, buckets and flower pots with 'fillers' such as tissue paper, shredded or crumpled paper, fabric scraps or colourful bandanas and simple signs on sticks to create eye-catching displays. Items to make these are available at discount and dollar stores. Items can be used over and over again in the same configuration, or taken apart and used with other displays. They're also easily stored. Small items such as ribbons, toys or small props also enhance the display.

Hang on to those bags, boxes and baskets and 'filler' from birthdays, weddings, holidays and other special occasions to use and reuse over and over. The environment will thank you, and those who see the displays will recognise that your library made a special effort to reduce your carbon footprint when possible.

Helpful Hints . . .

TIP-PROOFING: Place a heavier object or objects in the bottom of bags to keep them from tipping over easily. I keep a couple baggies with gravel inside on hand as weights for bag centrepieces, but I've been known to use all sorts of items such as cans of pop, cans of soup, small jars filled with water, an old unused coffee mug, old small paperback book, old VHS tape -- pretty much whatever I could find in my school on short notice that wasn't needed. As the items in the bottom of the bag or box will be covered by paper or fabric, they'll be virtually invisible.

THEFT: The colourful bandanas I purchased to stuff into the bags/boxes proved to be a temptation to some and I had a few taken from my displays. To help discourage theft, I dropped a few small rocks into the centre of each and tied them off using an elastic band. Whey the bandanas are stuffed into the bags/boxes they look great, and when tugged on, they feel heavy, like they can't be removed easily so they're left alone.

STANDING SIGNS: Use bamboo skewers (the type used for shish kebabs) or drinking straws, etc. to glue signage onto and stick into the bag/box centrepiece. If your signs won't stand up, stick the sign into a small piece of 'oasis' (that soft foam stuff used for floral arrangements), an upturned Styrofoam cup, or even a crumpled wad of old newspaper and place in the bag/box, then cover with tissue, bandanas, etc.

More Simple Display Centrepieces

Using Props in Displays

Using props related to your displays can add more dimension and attract more attention to an already good display. Props can be things you have around your library, your home, or items that you purchase or borrow from others. Discount stores, garage sales, and grandma's basement are also great sources for fun and unusual props. Props can also be made out of paper and other craft supplies as needed.

The benefits of using props are:
- they're often three-dimensional objects, so displays can look attractive from all sides,
- they can add colour to displays,
- they can draw different age levels to displays (e.g.: colourful items and stuffed toys will attract children and their parents),
- they can fill in gaps when books are removed from displays, and
- they can act as a container for the display (e.g.: wheelbarrow, chair, refrigerator, basket, etc.).

Of course, common sense dictates that special, delicate, potentially dangerous, and irreplaceable items not be used as props unless in a protected area or locked cabinet. Anything you cannot afford to lose or have damaged should not be used.

More Props in Displays ...

There are many amazing displays on www.Flickr.com! Be sure to visit the website for further inspiration. Below are just a few more displays.