Reimaging Recyclables

ABSTRACT: Purpose: This presentation will discuss how our library has been rethinking uses for recyclable materials to create budget friendly, very low-cost additions to displays and outreach events. Brief Description: While planning for an open house, our library decided to add games to the event as one way to bring some fun inside our space. At the same time, we were searching for ways to fill our display case, having recently sent most of our physical book collections to remote storage. Our goal in each case was to encourage our students to see the library as a welcoming, relaxing space. With a small budget for the open house going toward food and swag, we focused on borrowed items, office supplies, and various recyclable materials in our library to use/reuse in our endeavors. The development of a mini-golf game using cardboard and bookends will be highlighted in this presentation along with display ideas and other tips, tricks, and pitfalls for working with recyclables. Outcomes: Creatively using recyclable materials and other low-cost items allowed us to create a unique, fun activity for our students, as well as contributing to a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for everyone in our library.