Just steps from the entrance of the Boulder Creek branch library, patrons are greeted with an explosion of color and joy. This month’s book display, entitled “Disco in the Sky,” features cutouts of LGBTQ+ icons from Billy Porter to Chappell Roan to RuPaul, all promoting books and authors that celebrate and uplift the queer experience.
“I hope the displays draw them into the library and bring attention and awareness to the different themes and topics,” said Lauren Wysham, branch manager of the Boulder Creek library. “I hope it helps them find books they wouldn’t normally be attracted to, because we’ve featured them in such a special way.”
These book displays are a fixture across the branches of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. They allow library staff to express their creativity and draw patrons in. Past displays at Boulder Creek have included swirling leaf designs for autumn, a Godzilla scene with a miniature replica of downtown Boulder Creek, a fairytale landscape with magical creatures and toadstools, and a display featuring disabled voices for disability awareness month.
“We try to brainstorm different concepts that people would want to see, and include things that we’re thinking about or are relevant at the moment.” Wysham said.
Another annual tradition is the Story Walk. This year, Friends at the Scotts Valley branch assembled an interactive display featuring Poetry Comics by Grant Snider. From June 2nd to 30th patrons can, well, stroll through and read the graphic novel, starting at any point from beginning to end. Set up directly outside the library, the exhibit allows attendees of all ages to soak up the sunshine while enjoying Snider’s simple, sweet poetry and engaging illustrations.
“I hope they have fun reading it!” said Friends’ treasurer Marc Winquist. “Sometimes the kids wanna go two or three times so they really absorb the message. That’s great! Come as many times as you like.”
Scotts Valley isn’t the only branch with a Story Walk. At the Felton Nature Discovery Park, patrons can follow the pages of Before We Stood Tall: From Small Seed to Mighty Tree by Jessica Kulekjian and Madeline Kloepper as they enjoy the landscape around them.
At La Selva Beach, If by Sarah Perry is on display. Readers are able to immerse themselves in the imaginative watercolor illustrations as they traverse the path. All of these Story Walks are thoughtfully assembled by Friends volunteers, and they will be on display all summer long!
Carolyn Mish holds a position at the Division of Undergraduate Education at UCSC as a Student Writer. She reports on events and community stories in order to highlight voices and perspectives.