Prompt Round 3
Gentle Reads
Everyone enjoys a gentle read. There’s something about a nice story in which there is no difficult and complicated thinking and it comes to an enjoyable ending. Saricks writes two phrases that influence my thinking for the gentle reads display, “I just want a nice story,” and “They don’t write books like they used to!” (93).
This display would be placed in front of the adult fiction section or in a prominent location in the library where many patrons would be able to check it out. I would title the display - Treat Yo Self! This is a quote from Parks and Rec, where characters “treat themselves” and buy all kinds of things that make them feel good. Gentle Reads follow under the same theme. The point of reading a gentle read is the leisurely pace and the feel good thoughts and feelings you receive from reading the book. As Saricks writes, “tone is the key in these unpretentious, upbeat, evocative stories that touch the heart” (95).
The Gentle Reads genre is difficult to categorize. Many books can fall in other genres as well. So, this display will feature many different kinds of books all falling under the category of gentle reads. I would place 3-4 categories of gentle reads on this display. Feel Good Romance, Feel Good History, Feel Good Funny, Feel Good Mystery, and Be Inspired! I would include a short explanation of what each Feel Good genre was about. The explanation would be a flap in which patrons would have to interact with to understand.
This picture is just an example of how the display would be presented. Instead of Readbox, I would include “Treat Yo Self!” I would decorate it with bright colors: green, yellow, blue, and some red. It would also be nice to include props in the display as well: fake money, chocolate (fake so no one walks off with it!), spa masks, jewelry, fancy clothes, etc. Somewhere beneath the title, the display would explain, “You deserve a great book to read. Check out these books that will warm your heart and give you something to smile about!”
The categories with books would be placed in an organized manner. Depending on if authors have multiple books that would be considered gentle reads, there would also be a list of books patrons could check out located on slips of paper available at the display.
Resources
Saricks, Joyce G. (2009). The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction. Chicago, IL: American Library
Association.
YALSA ALA. Pinterest. Retrieved at
https://i.pinimg.com/236x/9f/40/35/9f40354827976e12df830b30dd2e0322--childrens-library-
library-ideas.jpg
Paige,
ReplyDeleteI like how you are including 'feel good' books from many different backgrounds, as this might introduce a habitual reader of one type to another (sneaky)! I also appreciate that you want to make the display look eye-catching, which will draw people closer simply because they are curious. If we can capture their attention that way, they probably won't walk away empty handed. Out of curiosity, does this library have a way to list books as 'on display' in the catalog? That can sometimes be a problem for those who are actively searching for a particular title, but can't find it on the shelf. If several displays are going on at the same time (which is often the case in many libraries), patrons might become frustrated while trying to locate said book - and not all will approach a desk to ask for help.
Sarah,
DeleteI'm not sure if the books are listed on display. At my usual library, they don't have that option. However, that would be incredibly useful. Even I find myself frustrated if I can't find a book where it's supposed to be. If there was a way to show patrons where the books are exactly would lead to less frustration.
I love love love this idea! As someone who doesn't necessarily read gentle reads (though I really enjoyed the book I annotated for it!), I'd still stop and browse your display for sure. The inclusion of props would make it really cute and different, too. I like that you connected the idea of treating yourself to feel-good books, because people stigmatize easy, comfortable books, while the "treat yo self" idea has become a popular one--so it could make people feel more confident in their choices too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachel! I don't usually read gentle reads either, so this was a great experience! I wasn't familiar with this genre, so I think it would great for patrons to learn and discover!
DeleteI've done a readbox and a treat yo'self display but never with gentle reads. ! I think you're on to something! Great idea and full points!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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