Upcoming graduation?

How do you cap off commencement? By celebrating the graduate moving on to the next chapter in life. It’s easy with a fun-filled “library” graduation theme party.

Ask family and friends to attend by sending an invitation that looks like a book. Entitle it, “My Life So Far” and include text that reads, “Please join our graduate, “NAME,” as he/she moves on to the next chapter. Recommended gift: A book you think will help the graduate in life.”

When partygoers arrive, hand out librarian glasses – cat eyes for women and black rims for men – plus library cards for the teens. In keeping with the theme, set the table buffet style using stacked books as the centerpiece. Top the books with photos of the graduate. Serve easy-to-eat finger foods, like biblio-burgers (mini burgers), footnote frankfurters (mini hot dogs) and bookshelf skewers.

After mingling for an hour or so, toast the graduate with a “Dewey Decimal,” a non-alcoholic honeydew drink (recipe below). Talk about how much work is ahead at college and tell the graduate it’s time to get to the “Library.” Have the teens pull out their library cards – their admission to the “Library,” a dance club you’ve set up just for them.

Option 1: Go Easy!

Hang a glowing “Library” sign at the entrance to your basement, garage or backyard patio (instructions below). Hand out “bookworms” – glow sticks and glow necklaces. Use an iPod with a pre-selected playlist that’s hooked up to speakers to get everyone moving.

Option 2: Go all out!

Create a tented dance club by hanging dark fabric or heavy gray or black plastic sheets around a frame or patio. Hang a glowing sign outside that says, “Library” (instructions below). Inside the “club,” hang paper lanterns for low-level light. Embellish outdoor furniture, such as chaise lounges, by draping them with fuzzy fabric. Include big throw pillows and a few beanbag chairs. Set out beverages and bowls of snacks. Hire a D.J. to get everyone moving. And for an extra measure of fun, hand out “bookworms” (glow sticks and necklaces), boas and hats.

Whichever option you choose, give guests a book bag with a logo of the “Library” dance club as a party favor. By theming your graduation celebration, even the harshest book critic will be singing your praises for a party well planned!

CREATING “THE LIBRARY” SIGN

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 20 x 30 Inch Black Foam Core

• Velcro Adhesive Dots

• 10- and 16-inch Glow Sticks

To create your sign:

1. Lay out glow sticks to spell “Library” on foam core, approximating their general position on the board.

2. Slightly lift each glow stick, and carefully place Velcro dots on foam core. Mirror their placement on one side of glow stick.

3. Adhere glow sticks to foam core.

4. Using the same technique as above, adhere glow sticks around the edge of the foam core to create a border.

Where to access:

• Black foam core board (20 x 30 inch) – www.uline.com.

• Velcro adhesive dots – www.buyhookandloop.com.

• Glow sticks – www.coolglow.com.

• Dewey Decimal drink recipe (add a little lemon-lime soda) – www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/?page_id=7000 (watch recipe video by clicking #9).