Pirates, Princesses and Trains, oh my!

5 Reasons for Themed Browsing in Picture Book CollectionsFolsom Public Library, Folsom, CA

Kathy Nemes and Debbie Centi

A little background: Picture Book Collection growing larger (12,000 items) Increased patron demand for easy location of materials. Inspired by other libraries with similar projects.

Reason#1 Highlights variety of collection.Picture books divided into 12 sections.

BedtimeCelebrationsConceptsFavoritesGrowing UpNature (Animals)

Poems/Rhymes/SongsRead AlongStoriesTales (Folk & Fairy)Things That Go!Wordless

Reason#2 Increases circulation.Adding age

appropriate nonfiction titles increased their circulation.

Overall picture book circulation has increased.

Reason#3Everyone can help patrons locate popular titles/subjects.

Library staffVolunteersOther patrons

Reason#4Opportunity to evaluate services for kids and families.Highlighted areas

for expansion.Adults needed

more directional signage.

Children needed visual clues.

Color signage matches color labels.

Kids needed more visual clues. After seeking feedback from patrons, we began adding pictures of iconic characters and popular subjects like dinosaurs, pirates and princesses.

Reason#5Happy families! Patrons

empowered to self-serve.

Kids now share the browsing experience!

Lots of positive feedback.

Positive FeedbackI really like it. It’s much more fun to browse.Love you constantly improving the experience at

the library!I like that the books are easier to see and sort

through now.I would say it’s easier for the kids to find books. I’m

still getting used to it. But, it looks great and is very user friendly!

I think it’s a good system for my kids, it’s easier for them to find their own books – just a learning curve for me!