I work at a public library, and we're always looking for ways to get our patrons involved in different activities. Recently we became part of a collaboration with our local art museum and science center to promote a display about ancient Egypt. As part of the collaboration, each branch of the library was asked to set up an activity that somehow related to ancient Egypt. I thought it would be a perfect chance to provide my patrons with a public art opportunity!

First I grabbed a bunch of books about Egypt for all ages and set them up on one of our small tables near the circulation desk. Despite our small collection size, it was easy enough to find a good mix of nonfiction and fiction for all ages. Then I started working on the actual art opportunity.

I found a hieroglyphic alphabet and a blank cartouche sheet from various educational sites on the Internet. These would be perfect for my display.



As a sample - and for something to get people more involved with the activity - I did my own cartouche.



After a lot of moving things around (we have very little display space in our branch!) I was able to fit everything I wanted on our one little counter. It's often a little difficult to get our patrons involved in things, so I was pleased to see two people checking out the display and grabbing sheets within the first half hour after it was up. One of our patrons, who is often pretty taciturn, came up to the desk, grinned at me, pointed at the display and said "So you did that, eh?" She was so proud that she had figured out the hieroglyphics - and later I saw her fold up a sheet to take home with her. Display victory!