The Flemington Primary School library got a creative makeover thanks to an innovative project led by library volunteer Chia Chia and the library team. By combining themed displays with a playful twist—featuring everything from books to Barbies—they created a welcoming space that sparks both curiosity and conversation.

General display to ensure students felt welcomed in the library.

Bringing books and Barbie together

The project’s signature “Barbie out of the box” display used Barbies sourced from op shops, markets, and friends. This playful approach to dressing up Barbies in imaginative costumes tied into the library’s seasonal or special event themes to not only grab students’ attention but also highlight the featured books in a fun and unexpected way.

Mother’s Day Display

Themed displays for every occasion

• When Sally met Barbie
  In May 2024, author Sally Rippin visited the library. To mark the occasion, the team put together a special Barbie display featuring her works. It was a fun way to introduce students to her books and to welcome a much-loved Australian children’s author.

Display featuring Sally Rippin’s books, with Barbies adding a playful twist.

• CBCA Shortlist 2024
  To coincide with the 2024 CBCA Shortlist announcements, each Barbie was given a miniature version of a shortlisted book to hold. A “book review bin” encouraged students to jot down their thoughts and drop them in anonymously—a simple, interactive way to boost reading engagement.

Barbies holding miniature CBCA shortlisted books

• Book Week 2024
  Tying in with the theme “Reading is Magic,” the library team rolled out multiple displays over Book Week to keep excitement levels high. Each display showcased a different angle of the theme, with Barbies decked out in magical or story-inspired costumes.

Barbies in fantastical costumes, highlighting the "magic" of reading

• Book Week Parade
  For Book Week, a parade-style display also brought the theme “Reading is Magic” to life. Barbies dressed as characters from various genres held mini books, creating a vibrant, moving showcase that celebrates the magic of storytelling.

The Book Week parade displays Barbies in character costumes.

• Father’s Day Display
  Not to be left out, another creative twist was the Father’s Day display, which used similar ideas to engage students and promote a love of reading.

Father’s Day Barbie display.

A simple idea with a big impact

The creative approach at Flemington Primary School shows that a little imagination can go a long way! By thinking outside the box, the team transformed the library into a space that not only showcased books but also built a community around reading. Whether you’re looking to revamp your displays or simply find inspiration, this project is a great reminder that libraries can be both fun and inviting.

Have you experimented with creative displays in your library? We’d love to hear your ideas and experiences.