How can libraries create excitement about coming into the library to check out books or other items on a regular basis? I’m thinking a monthly drawing with really neat (but not too expensive) book related prizes. When patrons check out (at least) once a month, they get a monthly punch on a Reading Record Punch Card, and can enter their name for the monthly drawing. If they get a punch each month they can enter their card for the annual grand prize drawing. This is aimed at adults only, no kids allowed! (why should they be the only ones having fun?!) Actually, school librarians could modify the idea a little and have fun with it too.
You could even set up a selfie photo booth. A word bubble could say “Check me out! I checked this out at the library!” with a checkerboard background.
There are so many great possibilities for prizes. There are a lot of book lovers out there! Here are some of the prize ideas I’ve come up with so far.
See lots of ideas at this Pinterest Board. 
Where the Wild Things Are Tote at shopPBS.org
- Color Your World at the Library: an adult coloring book & pencils.
- Sweeten Your World at the Library: hot chocolate & chocolate trail mix.
- Organize Your World at the Library: a Household Binder Notebook.
- Light Up Your World at the Library: a book light & this mug.
- Rock Your World at the Library: a music CD or gift card, or vintage record label coasters.
- Game On! Level up Your World at the Library: a big wooden scrabble letter sign that spells READ or scrabble letter fridge magnets from PBS.
- Caffeinate Your World at the Library: a coffee mug & Starbucks gift card.
- Turn Up Your Creativi-tea at the Library: Novel Teas.
- ACT-ivate Your World at the Library: a movie quote mug & CD of great movie soundtracks or popcorn.
- Carry On at the Library: a Where the Wild Things Are tote bag or pouch. Or a Keep Calm & Carry On tote.
- Relax & Read at the Library: a literary pillow or a Keep Calm & Read On mug.
- It’s Time to Read at the Library: a literary clock or a Book Lover’s Calendar.
- Annual Grand Prize: maybe a literary garden sign post, or a Once Upon a Time lamp.
I looked for things that might appeal to anyone, and most cost around $10 or $15. It would take a little bit of a marketing budget to pull off. This idea might also work for bookstores looking for a way to encourage customers to return on a regular basis. And those in search of great gifts for book lovers, of course these things would totally work. Which ones do you like the best? What should be used for the annual grand prize? Let me know your thoughts at the Daily Planit Facebook page.
Here is a Reading Record version of the punch card:
I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.
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