Some of the best library programs happen when we stop trying to compete with what’s happening in the community and instead become part of it.
For years, one of my favorite annual programs was our Homecoming Pep Rally at the Library. It was simple, inexpensive, community-focused, and a fantastic way to build relationships with local schools and families.
The idea was easy: host an after-school program on the day of the Homecoming football game and help kids get ready to cheer on their team.
The result?
A library full of school spirit, excited kids, and a stronger connection between the library and the community.
As someone who grew up in the town, graduated from the local high school, and was voted most school-spirited myself (HA!), it was especially rewarding! There was something incredibly fun about helping a new generation of students celebrate a tradition that had been part of my own childhood.
Oiler Pride forever.
Why School Partnerships Matter
Libraries and schools share many of the same goals.
We both want young people to succeed. We both want to create a sense of belonging. We both serve families.
When libraries intentionally partner with local schools, everyone benefits.
Programs connected to school events help:
- Increase visibility for the library
- Strengthen school-library relationships
- Reach families who may not regularly attend library programs
- Build community pride
- Create positive associations between the library and local traditions
And perhaps most importantly, it shows students that the library is invested in the things that matter to them.
[Read: Selling the Library to Schools (Without Actually “Selling” It)]
The Homecoming Pep Rally
We scheduled the event immediately after school on the day of the Homecoming football game. Kids stopped by to get ready for the evening’s festivities before heading home to change or directly to the game.
The atmosphere was intentionally energetic and fun.
In the background, we played videos of past football games and school highlights while marching band versions of popular songs played through the speakers. (Spotify and other music streaming services have some fantastic marching band playlists!)
The room felt more like a pep rally than a library program—and the kids absolutely loved it.
Activity Station #1: Face Painting
One of the most popular stations every year was face painting.
We offered simple designs using school colors:
- Stripes & Polka Dots
- Cheek swirls
- School initials
- Team colors
- Graduation Years
- Favorite Players
You don’t need to be a professional face painter. To make it especially easy, limit it to just a few school colors and available designs. This will ensure you can get to as many students as possible in very little time.
Water activated face paint (click link to purchase) was my favorite!
Activity Station #2: Glitter Tattoos
Temporary glitter tattoos were another huge hit.
Popular designs included:
- Footballs
- Jersey numbers
- Stars
- Graduation year
- School mascot – if it’s an easy paw print or something similar
These were quick, easy, and lasted throughout the game. I simply uploaded some designs and cut them out with our Cricut machine using adhesive vinyl (click link to purchase). Make sure you use the right adhesive and fine glitter.
My favorites (click links to purchase):
- Fine Glitter
- Body Glue
- Brushes for glue & glitter
Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAYALgxGE-I
Activity Station #3: DIY Noisemakers
This was always my favorite activity because it was inexpensive, recycled materials, and gave kids something they could actually use that night.
Supplies
- Empty aluminum cans
- Pinto beans
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Tape
- Stickers
- School-colored decorations (fringe, pom poms, sticks)
Prep
Months before the event, I started collecting aluminum cans.
Once cleaned and dried, they were ready to become noisemakers.
Instructions
- Place approximately ¼ cup of pinto beans inside the can.
- Securely tape the opening shut (inexpensive, colorful duck tape works well here).
- Wrap the can in paper and seal with tape or hot glue (I pre-cut strips that fit the can).
- Decorate with school colors, team names, mascots, or personal designs.
- Shake loudly and proudly.
Simple, affordable, and surprisingly effective!
The kids loved taking them to the game and making as much noise as possible during big plays.
Add Some Giveaways
One thing that made the event even more exciting was partnering with community organizations and school supporters.
Several years, we received donated admission tickets to the Homecoming game.
Instead of simply handing them out, we turned them into prizes.
Kids could:
- Spin a prize wheel
- Enter a raffle
- Participate in a simple challenge
Giving away tickets created extra excitement while encouraging participation throughout the program.
If game tickets aren’t available, other fun prizes might include:
- School spirit merchandise
- Concession vouchers
- Library swag
- Spirit beads
Why This Program Worked
The program wasn’t complicated.
It wasn’t expensive.
It didn’t require specialized training.
What it did require was meeting kids where they were.
On Homecoming Day, students aren’t thinking about STEM challenges or book discussions.
They’re excited about the game.
They’re talking about school spirit.
They’re planning their evening.
Instead of asking them to leave that excitement at the door, we embraced it.
The library became part of the celebration.
And because of that, participation was consistently strong.
Easy Adaptations for Other School Events
Don’t have a Homecoming football game?
This concept works for almost any school activity.
Consider adapting it for:
- Other sport seasons
- Marching band competitions
- Academic team competitions
- Graduation celebrations
The goal isn’t necessarily sports.
The goal is celebrating what matters to your community.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things libraries can do is show up for their communities in meaningful ways.
School events already bring people together. By creating programs that support and celebrate those traditions, libraries become part of the larger community story.
Years later, I still smile when I think about those afternoons filled with face paint, glitter tattoos, marching band music, and homemade noisemakers.
Many of us headed to the game afterward, cheering alongside the same families we had spent the afternoon with at the library.
It was community-building at its best.
And sometimes, the most memorable library programs aren’t about bringing people into the library.
They’re about helping the library become part of something bigger.
If you enjoyed this post and want to see others like it, check out these popular posts & subscribe to get the newest posts delivered to your inbox!
*This blog is intentionally ad-free. I want it to be a clean, distraction-free space. Here, public librarians can find practical ideas for youth services, outreach, and programming. There will be no pop-ups or sponsored clutter.
Some posts may include affiliate links for books or supplies I genuinely use and recommend. If you choose to purchase through those links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the work while getting materials for your own programs.
If you’ve found value in these ideas, please consider helping keep the blog running. I’m unemployed, so tips are always appreciated. They go directly toward hosting costs and content creation. You can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SPBXH4RPDHCCY
Leave a Reply