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Prompt 6: Bridgerton Display to Promote Romance Collection

 


The television show Bridgerton, based on the books by Julia Quinn, has become immensely popular in the last couple months. Set in London in the early 1800s, the series is a romance about a rich family. People are binging it and wanting more. To promote our library’s romance collection, I want to make a display of materials to read, watch, or listen to if someone is wanting more Bridgerton.

It will of course include the original book series as well as other romance books set in similar locations and time periods. All formats of these books; including print, audiobook, and graphic novels; will be promoted. It will include non-fiction books and movies based on that time period, such as Mad and Bad: Real Heroines of the Regency by Bea Koch. Cookbooks based on foods in the 1800s will be included. Historical romance graphic novels, like Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron by Julia Quinn, will be displayed as well.

Quinn uniquely created a fictitious world where regency era Black characters were in wealthy, powerful positions. The display could include historical romance books featuring Black characters and authors, such has Daughters of a Nation by Alexander, Cole, Hart, & Huguley; My Beautiful Enemy by Sherry Thomas; and Night Song by Beverly Jenkins.

Historical romance television shows and movies will be included. Shows and books like Downton Abbey will appeal to patrons interested in that time period, while shows and books such as Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy appeal to those looking for a steamy romance. The Gossip Girl books and television series gives readers a similar vibe to Bridgerton with a mysterious character that knows all the town gossip.

Using a popular show to promote the romance collection will make it catch patrons’ eyes. As Nanette Donohue states, “Determining why the patron enjoyed a book is crucial to suggesting the right match” (Donohue, 2015). Many different formats will be included that appeal to the plot, characters, time period, pacing, and style of Bridgerton so patrons can find materials that speak to what they found appealing in the show.

 

Sources:

Donohue, N. (2015). From serials to serial: integrated readers’ advisory. ILA Reporter, 33(4), 8–10. [Library & Information Science Source]

Ideas inspired by the Lebanon Public Library, Lynnwood Library, and Traverse Area District Library.

Comments

  1. Abby AbbottFebruary 23, 2021 at 8:45 AM

    Hello,

    I like that you are also integrating cookbooks! It's a great way to get people who want to be immersed in that time period to see what was eaten. Using popular shows to promote collections is a good way to get people to stop and look.

    Abby Abbott

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sara NorwoodFebruary 23, 2021 at 12:25 PM

    Christina,

    I love this idea! I have never read the Bridgerton books before, but I did watch the entire season 1 on Netflix over Christmas break. It was so good! Like Abby, I like that you are including cookbooks in your display. One of my favorite features of the Bridgerton show was their gorgeous dresses and jewelry. Maybe you would want to add books on clothing of the era as well? Or etiquette books with rules and customs from back then? Nice work!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AmberFebruary 23, 2021 at 12:27 PM

    This is a fantastic idea and so timely! I love the note you made... it's the perfect touch.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Daniel ThurstonFebruary 24, 2021 at 10:08 AM

    Hi Christina,

    This is an excellent idea! It plays perfectly on popular interest right now, and it's a creative way to showcase the broad range of the library's collection.

    I like how you identified items that share various appeal elements with Bridgerton. Do you think you would include a brief note as to why each item is recommended? Or just display them all together? Either way, the poster at the top of your post is a perfect way to 1) relate to patrons who love Bridgerton and can't get enough of it, and 2) explain the display succinctly to patrons who may be unfamiliar with the show. Those in the second class may be intrigued (pun intended) to watch Bridgerton after seeing the display of related works.

    Thanks for sharing this excellent post! I'd love to see this idea implemented at my local library.

    -Daniel Thurston

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bobbi SchoonFebruary 26, 2021 at 4:12 PM

    Christina,

    I enjoyed your announcement! It was right in line with the show and the feel you get from it. Great idea! I included a lot of formats and media in mine, but did not think about cookbooks! Well done! I would definitely approve this if a staff member pitched it to me!

    ReplyDelete
  6. MeganFebruary 28, 2021 at 6:56 AM

    I absolutely adore your sign! Viewers of the popular Netflix show will immediately recognize it and will be instantly pulled in. Great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Candace WellsFebruary 28, 2021 at 4:07 PM

    I love your idea for a display around the Bridgerton series and including nonfiction materials around the time period from the novels and series. Including other historical romance series, such as, Downton Abbey will draw interest from patrons and guide them in finding materials around the theme.

    ReplyDelete
  8. WilsonIMMarch 2, 2021 at 7:01 PM

    Christina, I really liked your 'invitation' and the ideas for materials to be added to your integrated display. Bridgerton and romance go hand in hand, but you expanded patrons options exponentially. As your idea demonstrates, a romance themed display should not be reduced to books about love, you can show lots of love by preparing a delicious meal to a special someone!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Erin CataldiMarch 4, 2021 at 9:29 AM

    Tis is a fabulous idea! Sometimes the best displays aren't planned months in afvance - they're planned around things that enjoying the spotlight. I think this would be super popular! Great idea and full points!

    ReplyDelete

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