I do love Pinterest, and often I see things that make me say “Why didn’t I think of that?” or “I could use that in the library!”  So this week I bring you a round-up of fun, cheap, and easy ideas that might make life just a little easier.

Page Spinner

Look at this cute little spinner idea using page holders, clip rings, and a paper towel holder from Jessica Sparks.

You could use it in the library to hold booklists, show covers of upcoming releases to encourage patron holds, or display copies of all the program fliers and other library handouts.

Organizing Card Games

Deanna at Shady Tree Diary had the brilliant idea of using dollar store soap boxes to store card games. So much smarter than the rubber bands I resort too after the boxes get trashed. It would also work for stickers and small flannel pieces.

Shoe Bag Storage

Jamie at Something to Do used an over the door shoe organizer to keep her kids’ craft supplies neat and easy to find. Very few of us are lucky enough to have enough convenient storage space for our program materials and this is a cheap and easy solution. I’m getting at least one of these for home.

Quiet Spray

The teachers over at The Lemonade Stand created this super cute quiet spray. I would use it empty and pretend to spray when necessary. I can see using this during storytimes and class visits, or even as a fun reminder for little ones using the library that get carried away.  “Looks like we need some help with inside voices today. That’s okay, just a squirt of my quiet spray and you’ll remember!”

Spots for Storytime

Teach Preschool shares a cheap replacement for those beloved carpet squares – plastic place mats. You could also use these to set up a board game on the floor instead of wasting poster board.