As Wyatt and Saricks observe, "Romances contribute greatly to [our] library's circulation and... Romance readers are a significant part of [our library's] patron base" (2019, p. 215). Therefore, I propose this display to promote our library's Romance collection.Our display will feature Romance items from various collections: adult fiction, nonfiction, DVDs, large print, books on CD, graphic novels, etc. A large sign will display the words: "All you need is love", with the third work struck through and replaced with the word "read" in a different color, as shown below:
ALL YOU
READ NEED IS
LOVE
 |
| Example of origami heart bookmark. |
This display will also incorporate a passive program where patrons can create their own
heart-shaped origami bookmark. On a table adjacent to the display, the library will provide origami paper squares (approx. 6" x 6") in a variety of colors, as well as post step-by-step instructions (AliveOrigami, 2013).
As we prepare and populate this display, it is important for our staff to "integrat[e] all aspect [sic] of modern library collections: fiction books, nonfiction books, movies (entertainment and documentaries), videogames [sic], graphic novels, manga, [and] magazines... to help library patrons find the best match" (Dunneback & Towner, 2010, p. xi-xii). This genre deserves attention beyond just a Valentine's-themed display in February; we ought to do our part to change the cultural perceptions and value of "a genre largely written and read by women" (Wyatt & Saricks, 2019, p. 215).
References
AliveOrigami. (2013, March 24). Valentine's Origami Bookmark (Heart) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQqOR1rK67I
Dunneback, K. & Towner, M. W. (2010). Introduction: integrated advisory. Integrated Advisory Service. Denver: Libraries Unlimited, pp. xi-xvi.
Wyatt, N., & Saricks, J. G. (2019). The readers' advisory guide to genre fiction. ALA Editions.
