#BookFlix has taken librarians by storm on Twitter. It originated from an instagram post by author Sara Rosett which quickly took flight on the wings of super librarian Lucas J Maxwell generating an inspiring Book Riot Article [https://bookriot.com/2019/01/20/bookflix-library-displays/] which was transmitted to the librarian community of tsundokuists via LJM's newsletter 'The Portable Magic Dispenser'. It is a perfect example of the power of collaboration and sharing as it has resulted in many posts of displays ranging from electronic to craftwork to printed with different categories featuring 'New Releases', 'Trending', 'Bingeworthy Series' & 'We Recommend.'
The idea of using popular culture to hook young readers is appealing. It is also the perfect opportunity to showcase exciting new fiction, debut authors, old favourites and addictive series chosen by students in your library. Furthermore by tagging authors it lets them know that their writing is appreciated.
WCB Library's effort is attached. Carnegie winners, historical fiction, fantasy, action, drama, adventure , mythology and reality reads are all featured. Favourites chosen by pupils include the fantastical and imaginative worlds of Nevermoor, The Summoner and Children of Blood and Bone. Books that highlight the struggles faced by refugees and offer a portal to empathy and understanding also appear with 'The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle' and 'The Boy at the Back of Class' in New Releases. 'Lightning Mary' is another newly released title that encourages STEM learning and tells the story of an incredible historical figure, the intrepid fossil hunter Mary Anning so there is plenty to inspire readers who are tentative about what to try next.
I think it is a concept that keeps on giving as it could be evolved to include #GraphicFlix, with a display highlighting memorable Graphic Novels, possibly tied into Paul Register's Excelsior Award which has done a sterling job in communicating the appeal of sequential art to receptive readers. Also #ScreenReads, as more books are destined for cinematic or Netflix treatment with 'Are You There God, It's Me Margaret', 'Darkmouth', 'Noughts and Crosses' and 'Artemis Fowl' being just a few treats in store in 2019 and beyond according to this article at https://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-and-features/features/2018/december/the-childrens-books-you-need-to-read-before-they-become-2019-movies-and-tv-shows/. Not forgetting #CarnegieHighlights which could focus on award winners.
If you visit #BookFlix on Twitter you will discover many more examples of the creativity of librarians - not Meek [as David Walliams would have it] but bold bookaneers seeking new frontiers to celebrate the magic of reading.
Tanja Jennings, WCB Library, NI

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Posted 31 January 2019