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Decorating your library

I just found out I have a media specialist job for next year. Yay!!! I've only been looking for four years!
Anyways, I'm going to be in a brand new library (only one year old). The current librarian has done nothing with it (as far as decorations, etc). It is beautiful, but very white and needs some help. I would eventually like to get a mural done, but in the meantime, I was wondering if anyone can give some tips of how to decorate such a big space on a small budget.
Does anyone do any themes in their library?
I was thinking of a "reading rainforest" theme, but I am up for suggestions.
Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Riley on April 20, 2009 at 1:24am

Congratulations! Time to create a language rich environment, what fun! Ask all your librarian friends for book posters, write publishing companies for new book release posters, cover bulletin boards with cool fabrics from fabric store (go directly to the remnant table for cheap), go to Home Depot and ask the manager to donate a plants for your tables (no silk!) - slowly let your library evolve, adding kid art, reviews, and photos.

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Permalink Reply by Roxanne Mills on April 21, 2009 at 9:41am

I had a friend who did the rainforest theme. She had the columns painted like vines. Had cool rainforest valances hung up. And added animals hanging from the ceiling. One summer I did an underwater theme. The art teacher had the kids do giant water animals (stuffed with paper) and we hung those from the ceiling. We used blue easter basket film for all the windows and the doors. Congratulations! It is THE best job.

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Permalink Reply by Jewel L. on April 29, 2009 at 9:36am

First of all, congratulations to your new library. I think it to be a good idea to make a school based project out of your white space. Maybe a kind of competition with various schools where the best painters can work together to create your library in a completely new way. I think it is one the other hand a good way to show students the joy of libraries and of the adventures and creativity of reading. Maybe you think about my suggestion. And I like the theme 'traveling to a foreign, yet unknown country' :)

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