To kick off the last month of the semester, the library is hosting Dinosaur December, which includes a variety of events involving dinosaurs. Themed movies will be played including “The Good Dinosaur,” on Dec. 8 and “The Land Before the Time,” on Dec. 15. The library will also be open for students to come in during school hours and enjoy dinosaur-themed puzzles, giveaways, coloring pages, painting and stickers.
The library has put on themed events in the past, including an international games theme this past November, and Halloween events taking place in October. For this month, the library wanted to pick a theme that students would be interested in while also shifting away from common December holidays.
“Dinosaur December came about because there were a lot of kids we have here who enjoy dinosaurs. December is kind of a weird month because everyone’s getting ready for the end of the year, so we wanted something light and fun. Specifically, we believe here in decentering Christmas because there are so many holidays. We are going to do a winter seasonal display, but [the library is] finding other ways to enjoy the month,” librarian Vicki Pietrus said.
Many factors are considered when planning events like this one, including what students would be most interested in, how students can leave with new information and how the library can attract more visitors.
“We as librarians are always trying to bring people to the library. If you like dinosaurs and you don’t usually come to the library, you might come and think, ‘oh my gosh, I get to learn about dinosaurs’. Maybe [it’s more enjoyable] for middle schoolers than high schoolers, but why not bring some of that magic back? It is also important because I think part of our mission is to provide access to information, show people new things that they might not know about and do it in a fun way. I think this theme caters to all of those things,” librarian Diana Marques said.
Across from the library, the glass case can be seen decorated with dinosaur-themed book displays and artwork. In the top corner, is a QR code to allow access to the audio and e-book versions of the ones in the display. Some students worked to create the art while others set up the book displays, including senior Rylie Gordon who works in the library 6th period and after school.
“It’s always fun to be creative and I enjoy being able to turn that creativity into something productive for the library. [Dinosaur December] encourages students to utilize the amazing space that we have that a lot of kids don’t know about. You can do everything here from studying to playing video games and making arts and crafts. It is a very welcoming space,” Gordon said.
Be sure to stop by the library this month to destress before final exams and enjoy all the amazing activities and movies the library has to offer this month.
