📚The Library Lowdown

After decades without teacher librarians in our elementary schools, they are back and they’re working toward transforming libraries into vibrant hubs of learning and inspiration. The return of teacher librarians marks a significant step toward creating welcoming libraries where curiosity thrives, belonging is nurtured, and growth is encouraged.

The role of the teacher librarian has evolved dramatically since 4J last had them in elementary libraries. Libraries are no longer just about books; they’re evolving into launchpads for exploration. With today’s boundless access to online resources, teacher librarians aim to equip students with essential skills to navigate the digital world responsibly, find trustworthy information, and use technology safely and effectively.

Currently, most of our elementary teacher librarians are part-time, which means their scope of influence is limited. With just 40 minutes per class, once a week, they work hard to deliver engaging library lessons, promote a love of reading, and provide students time to explore and check out books. While the program is still in its early stages, the team is focused on laying a solid foundation by prioritizing standards from Oregon’s School Library Standards. This year’s emphasis is on creating welcoming environments where students feel they belong and can confidently navigate the library.

The ultimate goal of our library programs is to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Maker opportunities, interactive lessons, and activities that embed digital literacy are just some of the ways teacher librarians are working to engage students in the library. And at the heart of it all is a dedication to nurturing a lifelong love of reading through read-alouds, book talks, and inspiring book displays.

While the return of teacher librarians is still a work in progress, it represents a hopeful beginning. Seeds are being planted, and we’re excited to watch the program grow. With each small step, teacher librarians are building a brighter future for students, one where libraries are not just places to read but places to wonder, create, and discover.

Howard Elementary teacher librarian Ms. Griggs created centers to teach students to READ! Students rotate through one of four centers each time they visit the library that focuses on one skill highlighted in the acronym READ: Ready to Learn, Explore and Create, All about Libraries, and Dive into Reading.

For the month of November, the theme for each center was:

1. R: Read to Learn: Fiction and Non-fiction

2. E: Explore and Create: Magic Candles and Marbles

3. A: All About Library: Destiny Discover

4. D: Dive into Reading: Browse & Read

At the beginning of the month, Ms. Griggs introduces each center and expectations, and as students rotate, there are directions for them to follow. At the Ready to Learn station, Ms. Griggs meets with a group of students to teach them a library, digital, or information literacy skill while students at the other stations work through activities together around reading, library, and information literacy.

November was the first month of implementation, and it was largely successful. As with anything in teaching, there are still kinks to work out, but students seemed engaged and eager to learn to find their way around the library.

Computer Science Education Week provides an opportunity to engage students in learning all about the workings of computers. As stated on the website:

"Computer Science Education Week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.

2024 is Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) 20th Anniversary and the them is, "Looking Back, Leaping Forward". As stated on their site:

(The theme) perfectly captures the essence of CSEdWeek, held every December. It invites students of all ages to dive into computer science, highlighting the importance of computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in preparing for the tech-driven world ahead. This celebration is a time to honor past achievements while inspiring the next generation to leap forward into new possibilities.

No worries if you don't have any experience teaching computer science. We've got you covered! The Hour of Code is an easy way to get students engaged with virtually no prep on your part. Students LOVE participating in an Hour of Code, and it's easy to get started! You can sign up on their website here or skip the sign-up and just follow these steps to get up and running in no time.

Students love Minecraft, Star Wars, Frozen, and Angry Birds puzzles, but just about any puzzle will have them hooked! Moana will be especially popular with students this year😊.

There are puzzles for all levels, K12, even non-readers! Once students get started, you can use it all year long, and students will love it! If you're on overload and need help, connect with your school librarian or Amy Page to get students up and running with coding.

Email Amy Page (page_a@4j.lane.edu) or schedule a class visit here.

Check out the choice board below with free Capstone Interactive ebooks and links to activities that engage students in all kinds of making.

Need a new book to read this December and to kick off the new year? Check out this collection of Best Book lists from 2024. New lists will be added throughout December.

December is a great time to hunker down with your favorite tea, a cozy blanket next to the fire (if you have one), and a good book! If you don't have shelves of books at home waiting to be read, Sora is full of awesome, diverse, engaging books for all reading interests! Not one to cozy up with a book, then try an audiobook while you're busy with your hobby, on the road, or tackling those monotonous tasks.

Looking for something to listen to while you're busy preparing for the holidays? Check out this collection of audiobooks for kids and this one for young adults.

Do you prefer fantasy or sci-fi? Or check the always-available collection of comics! There's something for everyone! Check out the full collection here. Log in to Sora with your 4J username and password. Watch this video to learn how to log in.

Watch this short video to learn how to download the app and listen and read on the go. 4J password required to login. Teachers, please ensure students have access to their 4J username and passwords.

Looking for books that are a perfect match for a particular student or lesson -or for yourself? Try NoveList, an amazing online book-matcher that's available free with your Eugene Public Library card: https://eugene.libguides.com/novelist

Use NoveList's basic search to fit specific tastes, interests and ages. Try the Appeal Mixer to match additional preferences such as mood, style, and characters' identities. Or explore all that NoveList offers, including options to browse by genre, awards lists and much more.

Your library's been experimenting with a new type of event this past year: community swaps. These lively gatherings provide an opportunity for folks to share items they no longer need, find new-to-you items to use and enjoy, save money, prevent waste, and connect with each other in a positive way. Additionally, the swaps are free and truly open to everyone, as participants are welcome to only bring items, only take items, or do both.

So far, we've hosted successful swaps focused on arts and crafts supplies and tools, games and puzzles, and houseplants. Join us for our second round of houseplant swaps, featuring opportunities at all three of our locations:

• Downtown Library - Thurs., Dec. 5, anytime 4:30-7:30 p.m.

• Bethel Branch - Fri., Dec. 6, anytime 3-5:30 p.m.

• Sheldon Branch - Sat., Dec. 7, anytime 10 a.m.-noon

For more details about these upcoming houseplant swaps: https://www.eugene-or.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=32223

This month's Virtually Book'd Choice board features books for the winter holiday season! Find them all in Sora. Login with 4J username and password. Need a printout of passwords for your class? Reach out to Amy Page and she'll hook you up! If this is too overwhelming, invite Amy Page (page_a@4j.lane.edu) to your class to get your students connected so all students can enjoy these great books!

Email: page_a@4j.lane.edu
Website: https://www.4j.lane.edu/28902_2
Location: 200 North Monroe Street, Eugene, OR, USA
Phone: 541-790-7765
Facebook: facebook.com/4jlibrarymediaservices

Instagram: @4jlibraryservices
BlueSky: @amypagetl.bsky.social