NGC Library LitBox Subscription Program

 

I learned about the LitBox subscription program at the April 2023 Texas Library Association Conference in a session presented by Morgan Green-Griffin. Morgan was the recipient of the 2022 Young Adult Reading Incentive (YARI) Award for the Teen LitBox subscription program she developed for 6th- 12th graders at the public library of Coppell, TX.

The LitBox subscription is similar to a BarkBox or other monthly subscription service. Like BarkBox the contents of the LitBox match the theme of the month. Each LitBox contains one to two books, an informative trifold brochure, and some swag and goodies.

Because of a limited budget and because I was unsure about how the LitBox program would be received by students, I chose to limit the number of NGC LitBoxes to 10 per month. On August 28, 2023, I sent out an informative flyer about the NGC LitBox subscription program and the subscription form for September using the Announcements feature of the NGC Library Canvas course. Nine students (with a little arm twisting from me) signed up to receive the very first ever NGC LitBoxes. I expect more students will sign up to receive an NGC LitBox now that they have seen what a LitBox actually is. 

The theme for the September NGC LitBox was Hispanic Heritage Month. Included in each box were two books, an informative Hispanic Heritage Month trifold brochure, Lucas Skwinkles Salsagheti, Mexistuff stickers by Efrain Tinoco, and an Amate art kit (bark paper, acrylic paint set, information about the history of and how to make Amate Art, and a glitter pencil). 

How did I choose the books?

During library orientation, students completed a Reading Genre Personality Quiz. Using their answers I found books that fell within the theme of Hispanic Heritage Month and that also matched their reading personality.

How did I create the informative trifold brochure?

I created the informative trifold brochure by slightly editing the one created by Morgan Green-Griffin. Morgan was quite generous and provided me with editable copies of all of the LitBox brochures she created in Canva! 

How did I choose what swag and treats to include in the NGC LitBox?

I looked at what Morgan Green-Griffin included in her LitBoxes and duplicated or substituted items while remaining true to the theme.

How do you pick which students get the NGC LitBox?

Students who are interested in receiving an NGC LitBox must subscribe every month. Students who receive an NGC LitBox must submit a brief book review to be eligible to receive any future NGC LitBoxes. The first 10 students who subscribe and meet the eligibility requirements will receive the NGC LitBox for that month.

What will be in the October NGC LitBox?

The theme for the October NGC LitBox is SPOOKY! The box will include two books from our library collection, an informational trifold brochure, a costume, scary coloring sheets, spooky buttons & stickers, and treats. 

24-25 UPDATES

October NGC LitBox 2024:

• Organizing LitBoxes each month is a detailed process:
• Plan the topic/theme for the month
• Design the tri-fold brochure
• Decide the “swag” needed for each month
• Ordering or soliciting “swag” items
• Create a Google Form for students to register for the LitBox
• Create and schedule an announcement in Canvas announcing registration is now open
• Review each student's Genre Personality to match books with the student and the theme
• Checking student’s checkout history
• Pull two books that match the Genre Personality and the theme for the LitBox month for each student
• Check books out through Destiny for each student
• Design, print, and fold the LitBox informational brochure
• Fold boxes, pack with tissue paper, and pack all the LitBox items
• Look up 8th period room numbers for each student
• Deliver LitBoxes to students

Amanda Chacon started her litbox program this year. Instead of using library books from her collection, Amanda purchased books for students to keep. I love this idea! Callie Dawson, my district's high school librarian and lead librarian, did this type of litbox last year.

2024-2025 NGC LitBox Themes:

September: Graphic Novels and Manga

October: Spooky

November: Kindness

December: I Survived!

January: New Year, Sustainable You

February: Kaleidoscope of Diverse Joy

March: Seeds of Strength: Women's History in Full Bloom

April: Chill Vibes Only: Your Stress-Free Survival Kit

May: Animal Antics

What questions do you have for me?

Questions from Readers:

From the Future Ready Librarians' Facebook Group: I have a question about funding the Litboxes.

How do I pay for the items in the NGC LitBoxes?

This school year (23-24), I purchased most of the items myself, through donations, or with Library Supply funds. Morgan Green-Griffin did quite a bit of community outreach asking for donations. The items included in the December LitBox were almost entirely supplied by the Hutto, TX Department of Emergency Management, Police Department, Fire Department, and the Department of City Services. Next school year I plan to seek more community support.