GSCBA Tips for Promoting the Award
Collecting Votes
- Make copies using the reproducible bookmarks inside the tally sheet and ballot. Put a bookmark ballot in each nominated book. The book and vote can be returned at the same time.
- Set up a ballot box where students can drop in their vote and ‘elect’ their favorite books.
- Build a ‘voting booth’ (large cardboard boxes work well), to allow kids to cast a secret ballot.
- Make a poster with a list of the nominees and have stamps or stickers available so kids can mark their favorites.
- Create a display of the nominated books.
- If you have any other ideas that have worked for your library, please share them with us by contacting the committee chair listed in the Tally Sheet and Ballot.
Publicity
- Write an article for the library newsletter or for your local newspaper.
- Booktalk GSCBA nominees.
- Send copies of the Tally Sheet and Ballot to teachers and school librarians asking them to return it to you with their students’ votes. Tabulate the votes and send in a single ballot to the chairperson listed in the ballot.
- Add nominated titles to summer reading lists.
- Ask teachers to consider nominated titles for school reading assignments.
Activities
- Create a scavenger hunt using nominated titles and authors.
- Have children design book covers for their favorite nominees and display them in the library.
- Start a review center where children can write reviews of the books they have read. Make the reviews available for other childr4en to read.
- Hold a contest to see who can read the most nominated titles.
- Arrange for a nominated author or illustrator to visit your library. Be teaming up with area libraries or schools, you can defray the cost.
- Throw a party in honor of the winners chosen by your school or library.