15 Back to School Library Bulletin Board Ideas
Back to school is an exciting time in the library—new students, new books, and new opportunities for discovery. These bulletin board ideas will help you create a welcoming, engaging environment that encourages reading from day one. Below are 15 back-to-school themed bulletin board ideas for your library.
1. Welcome to the Library!
Create a warm, welcoming display that introduces students to the library and all it has to offer. This board sets a positive tone for the school year.
Use bright, cheerful colors—yellow, blue, green. Decorate with a “Welcome” banner, books, and smiling children. Add photos of library staff and a map of the library. Include a section for “what you’ll find here” with book genres and resources.
QUICK TIPS
- Add photos of staff to personalize the board.
- Include a “first book of the year” recommendation.
- Let students add their names on stars or books.
2. Reading Takes You Places
Use maps, globes, and transportation themes to show that reading takes students on adventures to new places and worlds.
Use blue, green, and yellow colors. Decorate with a world map, airplanes, trains, and boats. Add book covers from different countries or fantasy worlds. Include a banner that reads “Reading Takes You Places.” Add a section for “where will reading take you this year?”
QUICK TIPS
- Use simple map and transportation shapes.
- Feature books from different cultures and genres.
- Let students add where they want to travel through reading.
3. Books Are Treasure!
Create a treasure hunt theme where books are the ultimate treasure. This board encourages exploration and curiosity from the start of the school year.
Use gold, sand, and ocean colors. Decorate with a treasure chest, jewels, and a map. Feature books as the ultimate treasure. Add a banner that reads “Books Are Treasure!” Include a “treasure found” section for books read throughout the year.
QUICK TIPS
- Use large, simple treasure chest and map shapes.
- Let students add jewels for books read.
- Include adventure-themed books.
4. Our Reading Year Ahead
Create a display that previews the reading year ahead. Include upcoming events, book fairs, and featured authors.
Use bright, cheerful colors. Decorate with books, stars, and a calendar. Include sections for: upcoming author visits, book fairs, reading challenges, and new book releases. Add a banner that reads “Our Reading Year Ahead.”
QUICK TIPS
- Include photos of upcoming authors if possible.
- Add a “save the date” section for events.
- Let students suggest events they’d like.
5. Read All the Colors
Create a rainbow-themed board where each color represents a different genre or reading category. This board is visually captivating and encourages exploration.
Use a rainbow color palette. Create a large rainbow with each color representing a different genre—mystery, fantasy, nonfiction, biography, etc. Feature book covers in each color section. Add a banner that reads “Read All the Colors” or “Discover the Rainbow of Books.”
QUICK TIPS
- Use large, clear rainbow shapes.
- Include familiar books for each genre.
- Let students add their genre favorites.
6. Book Characters We Love
Create a display featuring favorite book characters like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and characters from popular picture books.
Use bright, familiar colors from the characters. Create large paper cutouts of the characters. Add speech bubbles with book recommendations. Include a banner that reads “Book Characters We Love!”
QUICK TIPS
- Use recognizable characters.
- Let students vote for their favorite character.
- Include books featuring those characters.
7. Book Goals Wall
Create a display where students can set their reading goals for the year. This board builds community and encourages accountability.
Use a warm, inviting color palette. Provide spaces where students can write their reading goals—number of books, genres to explore, or authors to try. Add a banner that reads “Our Reading Goals” or “What Will You Read This Year?”
QUICK TIPS
- Let students write their goals on paper stars or books.
- Include a “goal check-in” section.
- Update goals quarterly.
8. Author Spotlight: Back to School Edition
Feature authors whose books are perfect for back-to-school season. Highlight authors like J.K. Rowling, Roald Dahl, or Judy Blume.
Use bright, engaging colors. Create sections for each featured author with their photo, biography, and book recommendations. Add a banner that reads “Author Spotlight” or “Meet the Authors.”
QUICK TIPS
- Include a mix of classic and contemporary authors.
- Add a “read the author” challenge.
- Feature student-favorite authors.
9. Reading Gives You Wings!
Create a butterfly or bird-themed board where each wing represents a book read. This display encourages reading while being visually stunning.
Use bright, colorful colors. Create large butterfly or bird cutouts. Let students decorate wing sections with book titles. Add a banner that reads “Reading Gives You Wings!”
QUICK TIPS
- Use large butterfly and bird shapes.
- Let students add their names to wings.
- Feature books about animals and nature.
10. What’s New in the Library?
Create a display featuring new books added to the library over the summer or at the start of the school year.
Use fresh, bright colors. Create a “new books” section with covers of recently added books. Add a “coming soon” section for upcoming releases. Include a banner that reads “What’s New in the Library?” or “Check Out What’s New!”
QUICK TIPS
- Include books from various genres.
- Add a “student pick” section for favorites.
- Update the board monthly with new arrivals.
11. Our Reading Tree
Create a tree where each leaf represents a book read by a student. The tree “grows” as reading progresses throughout the school year.
Use brown for the trunk and green for the leaves. Cut out leaf shapes and have students add their names and book titles. Add a banner that reads “Our Reading Tree” or “Watch Our Reading Grow!”
QUICK TIPS
- Use a large tree shape as the centerpiece.
- Let students add leaves for each book read.
- Use different colors for different genres.
12. Diverse Voices: Back to School Edition
Celebrate diverse authors and perspectives with a display featuring books by underrepresented writers.
Use a warm, inclusive color palette. Feature books by diverse authors like Julia Alvarez, Khaled Hosseini, Sandra Cisneros, and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Include brief author bios and book summaries. Add a “read beyond your experience” challenge.
QUICK TIPS
- Include authors from various backgrounds.
- Feature both fiction and nonfiction.
- Add a QR code to a more extensive list.
13. Genre of the Month
Create a display that highlights a different genre each month. This board encourages students to explore new types of books.
Use a color palette that matches the featured genre. Include book covers, a brief description, and recommended titles. Add a banner that reads “Genre of the Month.” Include a “try something new” section.
QUICK TIPS
- Change the genre monthly.
- Include a mix of classic and contemporary titles.
- Let students vote on the next genre.
14. Back to School Reading Challenge
Create an interactive display that challenges students to read a set number of books or explore different genres during the first semester.
Use bright, cheerful colors—yellow, blue, red. Create a large “reading challenge” tracking system. Each completed book adds a star or sticker. Include genre categories like “read a mystery,” “read a memoir,” and “read a translated work.”
QUICK TIPS
- Make the challenge achievable and fun.
- Include prizes or recognition for completion.
- Update the board regularly with student progress.
15. Welcome Back, Readers!
Create a warm, welcoming display that celebrates the return of students to the library. This board is simple, cheerful, and inviting.
Use bright, cheerful colors. Decorate with a “Welcome Back” banner, books, and smiling faces. Include a section for “what we loved about last year” and “what we’re excited about this year.” Add a “first book of the year” recommendation.
QUICK TIPS
- Add photos of students from last year.
- Include a “new year, new books” section.
- Let students add what they’re excited to read.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school library bulletin boards set the tone for the entire year. Whether you choose a welcome theme, a reading challenge, or a genre exploration, these displays encourage students to explore new books and share their love of reading from day one. Plan your board ahead, laminate cutouts for longevity, and keep the display fresh by swapping out elements monthly. Your back-to-school bulletin board can become a hub of engagement and literary discovery for the entire year.
