Delicious Books: Promoting the Library and a Love of Books Through Library on the Fly and an Edible Book Contest

Abstract

This poster highlights two events that an academic library uses to promote the library and reading. One event is Library on the Fly, where an eclectic selection of library books is displayed outside the front of the library and at events around campus. Books are checked out to the students on the spot. A separate table is set up with free books (discarded books or donations not added to the collection). Refreshments are also offered and feedback about the library is collected from students. Written feedback shows that this event is a hit with students who discover library books that they otherwise probably would not have come across on the shelf. The second event is an edible book contest which is held in celebration of National Library Week. Students enter edible representations of books into the contest, which are judged by a panel including a college administrator, faculty member, and library staff member. The student creations are displayed for the public and prizes are awarded. This poster describes the two events, including information on planning and outcomes.