Upcycling in the Media Center: The VHS Box

Recently, I discovered that we library media specialists have been the original makers in our large makerspace.  We are the people who have been looking at objects, not for what they are, but for what they may be.  On Friday, as I was presenting a workshop to the Osceola County library media specialists #Ocsla, a question arose about my use of VHS tape boxes.  I didn't realize that it was a particularly crafty invention, but we had to stop the workshop to have a side workshop on how useful the VHS tape boxes can be because sometimes, the "rabbit hole" conversation is the conversation that you should really be having.  

Here are some of those ideas...

So, one day as I was weeding my collection of VHS tapes, I decided to save the boxes.  No real purpose at that point.  I just thought they were sturdy boxes and they could be used for something.  It was later when I was creating a display for Banned Books Week that a purpose became evident.  You see, we all want our students to check out the books they become interested in, but how do I have a book on display but still allow book checkout?  I made these book dummies.  I used the VHS case as the body for a book cover and added information about the book in conjunction with Banned Books Week.

Andrew disapproves of the concept of Banned Books in our society.

A blurb about why each book made the Banned Books List is on the back of the book.

Inside the box, is a QR code to more information about the book, or a book trailer, or a link to the ebook, or all 3.

Once I made this initial breakthrough with, then applying it to other situations became a test of creativity. Here are some of those examples:

These are "book dummies" for ebooks. The case displays the cover, the blurb from the back, a "QR code to the book in our system, and the spine is set up like a regular book spine with label and series number.

This VHS box is displaying information about a full scholarship to a design college here in Florida. The front has the poster about the scholarship, the back has information about the school, and the QR cards inside give a link to the scholarship application.

Saw these two gems on Pinterest!

With a little help from your printer, inexpensive shelf markers.

Easy storage case for a puzzle or game.

Some more possibilities...

• A box for supplies for a Makerspace activity.
• Art supply kits.
• Mini challenge kits or one set of materials for a center.
• Organize manipulatives for just about any subject.

I hope this post has sparked your creative juices.  Please reply with any ideas you have for upcycling VHS boxes.