Library Hack #3: Cheap Sign Holders

The sign holders that Demco and other library stores sell are great, but sometimes you just need something right away while preserving most of the library’s budget for books and other materials for your students.

Head to your favorite store like Walmart and pick up white plastic frames for $1 – $1.50 apiece (depending on the size). Use acrylic craft paint to paint the frame a bright color to liven it up a bit so students will notice it. You can also opt for school colors, choose festive colors based on the season, or highlight the colors already used in your space. Students tell me they like the sense of independence it gives them if they haven’t printed in the library before, and it keeps me from having to answer, “Young, how do I print?” 57 times a day. 

You’re probably wondering about durability since these are cheap frames. They will eventually break, but I’ve been doing this for 4 years and I’ve only needed to replace one!

Once the paint is dry, put your signage in the frame (make sure to measure so you know what size to cut your sign down to!) and display the frames wherever you need them. I currently use the frames next to my 4 desktop computers to share printing instructions. 

What are some of your favorite cheap signage hacks? Share them in the comments!