Dinovember

Written by Max Gonzalez Burdick

Edited by Sarah Walters & Sereen Suleiman

November is here, and do you know what that means? It’s Dinovember! Military libraries like the Combat Center Library and Shadow Mountain Branch Library in 29 Palms, California, are celebrating the fun and awesomeness that comes from dinosaurs! 

Dinovember is an excellent program that enriches patrons’ curiosity with paleontology and science while enjoying the exciting adventures that the program offers. These programs are targeted to military service members’ children and families. Here are some ways that military libraries are encouraging patrons to visit their libraries and to participate in the library’s programs.

Dino-Hunt

Everyday, the Library Technician hides a stuffed dinosaur somewhere in the library. You never know where it could be. The dinosaur could be in the makerspace room, the program’s room, inside a wooden block chest, or even behind the stacks! It’s up to the patrons to find out where the dinosaur is located. 

Once they find the dinosaur, they win a prize (usually a temporary dinosaur tattoo or snacks) and are immediately entered into a raffle contest to possibly win ticket passes to the National History Museum of Los Angeles County. 

Dinovember Trivia Questions

To make Dinovember a learning experience, it’s important to incorporate elements of studies. Every day, three new questions are displayed at the circulation desk. 

Patrons guess the questions and put their answers into a box. Questions that are asked range in their difficulty, such as, “Dinosaurs first appeared in which geological period?” (Answer: the Triassic) or “What is the study of fossils called?” (Answer: paleontology) This is so that patrons can do research and even use the library’s computers as resources as well. The winners are given prizes similar to Dino-Hunt and are also entered into another raffle.

3D Printer

The Combat Center Library is utilizing state of the art technology to incorporate into Dinovember. Aside from providing patrons with exciting activities, the library is also offering 3D printing services to military personnel. Patrons are able to make requests for whatever product they wish, whether that’s a pterodactyl toy or a dinosaur cookie cutter, as seen below.  

The 3D printer is an excellent way to encourage patrons to use the library’s services. Additionally, patrons will learn about the 3D printer’s process in developing visually appealing or functional items.

Dinovember Photo Contest

In honor of the book “What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure,” patrons are able to participate in a photo contest.

Basically, patrons need to portray a very messy scenario caused by dinosaurs. This can either be a mess on the kitchen table where dinosaurs were actively eating corn flakes and rice krispies, thus leaving a big mess! Or it could be dinosaurs invading a doll’s house, getting dressed up in outrageous costumes, and leaving all the clothes scattered throughout the house. Once the picture is taken, the winner will receive a dinosaur basket filled with goodies and a family pass to the National History Museum.

Designing the Library

One of the best parts about this program is the abundance of possibilities that comes with designing the library for the event. The military libraries have officially been turned into Dinosaur Land! Check out these photos of Shadow Mountain Branch Library, courtesy of the library staff.

Our very own SLASC Blog Director, Max, is seen here creating a welcome display for the library’s entrance.

Marketing and Implementation

Currently, the program is being marketed through the Marine Corps Community Services. Patrons are introduced to Dinovember by library technicians as soon as they arrive at the libraries. Once introduced to the program, they are invited to become involved in the programs. Dinovember is also posted on the library’s website, as well as in the Facebook group that is restricted to customers who live on base. 

Rawr!

This is the first time that the military libraries have implemented Dinovember. So far, the feedback has been great and it’s only the beginning of Dinovember. Patrons are coming often to find the stuffed dinosaur and are actively borrowing books about dinosaurs and paleontology. This is a great event to market in special libraries, and to provide a new and exciting take on the month of November.