Celebrate the Super Bowl at the Library in 2025
The Super Bowl is not just a sporting event but a cultural phenomenon that brings people together. As community hubs, libraries can capitalize on this excitement to promote literacy, education, and community engagement. Here are 15 creative ways libraries can celebrate the Super Bowl in 2025.
1. Super Bowl Bracket Challenges
Libraries can host a Super Bowl Bracket Challenge, encouraging patrons to predict the teams to reach the big game. For example, the Boyne District Library has organized such challenges, awarding winners with prizes like a party basket [1].
2. Media Literacy Workshops
Super Bowl commercials are famous for their creativity and impact. Libraries can host media literacy workshops to analyze these advertisements, teaching patrons to evaluate persuasive techniques critically. Resources for such programs are available online [2].
3. Super Bowl-themed storytimes
For younger patrons, libraries can offer Super Bowl-themed storytimes. These programs can feature football-related books, songs, and crafts, as seen at the Royal Oak Public Library’s virtual Super Bowl storytime [3].
4. Library Skills Games
Football-themed library skills games can make learning fun. Activities like “Library Super Bowl,” where participants practice finding books using the catalog, can engage children and teens while reinforcing literacy skills [4].
5. Super Bowl History Exhibits
Libraries can set up exhibits highlighting the history of the Super Bowl, displaying memorabilia, books, and documentaries. Events like “The Super Bowl: A History of the Game of Games” at the Lincoln Library offer educational value while celebrating the sport [5].
6. Super Bowl Watch Parties
Hosting a Super Bowl watch party can bring the community together. Libraries should consider copyright implications and create family-friendly spaces for patrons to enjoy the game. Public Libraries Online provides tips for hosting such events [6].
7. Football-Themed Reading Programs
Libraries can encourage reading through football-themed programs. Curated book lists on teamwork and sportsmanship, combined with challenges and rewards, can motivate patrons to read more. The Kansas City Public Library showcased such programs during the Super Bowl season [7].
8. Collaborative Rivalry Events
Libraries from cities with rival Super Bowl teams can collaborate on literacy or fundraising initiatives. For example, rival libraries have partnered to tackle censorship, building community goodwill regardless of the game’s outcome [8].
9. Super Bowl Snack Workshops
Interactive cooking workshops focused on Super Bowl snacks can engage teens and families. Programs like the Royal Oak Public Library’s snack-making classes teach culinary skills while creating a festive atmosphere [9].
10. Educational Displays
Football-themed displays with trivia, team information, and library resources can attract patrons. Nordonia Hills Branch Library staff once collaborated on a display contest tied to the Super Bowl [10].
11. Math and Science Programs
Libraries can offer workshops on the mathematics and physics of football, teaching patrons about play strategy, statistics, and game dynamics. Educational resources like those from Teach Starter can help design these programs [11].
12. Virtual Reality Football
Libraries equipped with VR technology can provide immersive football experiences, allowing patrons to simulate playing football or experiencing a game from a player’s perspective. This cutting-edge activity appeals to all ages.
13. Super Bowl Book Clubs
Book clubs focusing on football-related literature—such as biographies of famous players or novels about the sport—can blend the excitement of the Super Bowl with reading.
14. Community Service Initiatives
Libraries can organize service projects during the Super Bowl season, such as charity drives or volunteer events. These initiatives align with the collaborative spirit of football and foster community connections.
15. Trivia Contests
A Super Bowl trivia contest can attract football fans and trivia enthusiasts. Libraries can develop questions covering football history, players, and memorable moments to create a fun and educational experience.
References
- Boyne District Library. (2025). Super Bowl Bracket Challenge. Retrieved from https://www.boynechamber.com
- Trapped Librarian. (2020). Media Literacy Lessons for the Super Bowl. Retrieved from https://trappedlibrarian.org
- Royal Oak Public Library. (n.d.). Virtual Super Bowl Storytime. Retrieved from https://www.metroparent.com
- Teachers Pay Teachers. (n.d.). Library Super Bowl Game. Retrieved from https://www.teacherspayteachers.com
- Lincoln Library. (n.d.). The Super Bowl: A History of the Game of Games. Retrieved from https://www.lincolnlibrary.info
- Public Libraries Online. (2014). Super Bowl Sunday at the Library. Retrieved from https://publiclibrariesonline.org
- Kansas City Public Library. (2021). Super Bowl and Super Books. Retrieved from https://kclibrary.org
- I Love Libraries. (n.d.). Super Bowl Rival Libraries Join Forces. Retrieved from https://ilovelibraries.org
- Kids Out and About DMV. (n.d.). Teen Super Bowl Snack Program. Retrieved from https://dmv.kidsoutandabout.com
- Pinterest. (2015). Football Display Contest. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com
- Teach Starter. (n.d.). Super Bowl Classroom Ideas. Retrieved from https://www.teachstarter.com