🎉A Year of Library Growth!

As the school year draws to a close, we're thrilled to celebrate some fantastic milestones here in the library! This year has seen a wonderful surge in engagement with the collection and the space. We've been buzzing with students checking out more books than ever before – our circulation numbers have shown a significant jump over last year with 41.9% more circulations! It's been inspiring to see so many of you diving into new stories and exploring the wealth of knowledge the collection holds.

Beyond students' increased interest in borrowing books, the library has become an even more integral part of classroom learning. We've welcomed a record number of class visits this year, hosting engaging lessons, collaborative projects, and research sessions across various subjects. Nearly 350 class periods saw full or partial classes of students in the library this year! The energy and curiosity students bring during these times truly make the library the vibrant heart of our school.

Thank you for making this such a successful year for the library! We can't wait to see what amazing things we'll discover together next year!

📚🌟 Start to Finish: From Book Recommendations to Shelving

The Novels class often holds class in the library, and this week one of the lessons was about the process of gathering book recommendations, evaluating and ordering books, and processing them to be added to the shelves. 

The session included a discussion of collecting and evaluating suggestions for new titles. Then, in small groups, students participated in a practical exercise. Working in small groups, they reviewed four different possible book titles, applying discussed criteria to determine whether any of the titles would be a suitable addition to the collection.

In an accompanying hands-on component, students learned about laminating paperback books to extend their circulation and then applied the steps to laminate books for their English II classes.

Sharing library operations with students hopefully fosters a greater understanding of the space, its resources, and the services offered. Observing the students' thoughtful engagement in the evaluation process and their application of the lamination technique proved to be a valuable learning opportunity.

📕✎Graphic Novel Showcase: Exploring Stories through Art & Text

Today's Graphic Novel Showcase brought nearly 20 students together to explore the incredible variety of stories told in this format. With six different categories of graphic novels featured, students had the freedom to rotate through groups at their own pace, discovering new titles and styles along the way. From the newest additions in the collection to action-packed adventures, from diverse perspectives to true stories, there was something for everyone—whether they were longtime graphic novel fans or just starting to explore the format.

To make the experience even more interactive, students could participate in a scavenger hunt, working independently or with a partner to find specific elements within the books they browsed. This encouraged close reading and an appreciation for how art and text work together to tell a story. 

What made the event even more dynamic was the mix of participants—enthusiastic graphic novel readers shared their recommendations alongside students who were new to the format. Seeing these conversations unfold, with students pointing out favorite moments or talking about the story, was a reminder of how engaging graphic novels can be for readers.

This event was all about choice, exploration, and community, and it was amazing to see students discover books they might not have picked up otherwise. With so much enthusiasm in the room, it’s clear that graphic novels continue to be a valuable and beloved part of our library’s collection!

📖✨ 6-Word Book Talks: Quick Hooks for Engaging Reads

In a recent advisory session, students were introduced to more than two dozen books in a fast, engaging format—6-Word Book Talks. Each book was distilled into just six words, offering a quick glimpse into its core themes, intrigue, or emotional impact. These short but powerful teasers were presented in a series of Slides, giving students an easy way to preview a wide range of books across all eight fiction genres, as well as graphic novels and nonfiction selections.

After viewing the presentation, students had time to browse the featured books, flipping through pages, reading summaries, and seeing which stories sparked their interest. 

Students looking online or already reading with the featured books in the background.

Other students browsing the cases as time allowed.

With something for everyone—from thrilling mysteries to heartfelt contemporary reads, epic fantasies to eye-opening nonfiction—this session encouraged exploration and discovery. Sometimes, all it takes is six words to spark curiosity, and this format proved to be a fun, effective way to get books into students' hands! 

📋📚 Top 10 Titles

Now that we've wrapped up Semester 1, here's a look at the Top 10 titles based on circulation numbers. With the addition of a "Throwback Reads" section in the library, several old favorites, like titles from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and Space Case, make an appearance. Also on this semester's list are popular authors with new releases, as well as YA literature debut authors. Take a look!

📚✨ Quarter 2 by the Numbers: A Look at Our Library Stats

The second quarter was a busy and exciting time for the library! The infographic below highlights some of the happenings and key stats:

• New Books: Our collection grew with 133 new titles, featuring a mix of fresh fiction, nonfiction, and highly requested reads.
• Advisory Sessions: More than 20 sessions--both library related and led by Student Services--brought students into the library for engaging activities, from book talks and hands-on projects to college visits.
• Class Visits: A large increase in class visits this quarter meant 94 times classes were in the library. These opportunities allowed students to explore the library, expand their learning and research skills, and discover great books.
• Circulation: With more than 1200 books checked out, it’s clear our students are staying connected with reading!

These numbers reflect the vibrant role the library plays in supporting students and staff! We're excited about Quarter 3 and are eager to see everyone after the semester break!

🎨🌌 Art & Inquiry: Exploring the Northern Lights

This week in advisory, students embarked on a dazzling journey to learn about the Northern Lights! (Thank you to The Book Wrangler's online content years ago for the inspiration!) Using engaging resources like Wonderopolis and PebbleGo, they discovered the science and stories behind this natural phenomenon. These resources provided the perfect balance of information and wonder, sparking questions and discussion.

After diving into the facts, it was time for creativity to take center stage. Students used paper and pastels to craft their own vibrant interpretations of the Northern Lights. As different YouTube videos about the Northern Lights played in the background, like the one below, students' creativity took over.

With soft hues blending across dark backgrounds, their artwork captured the magic of the auroras. This hands-on activity connected inquiry with artistry, leaving students with both knowledge and a personal art piece. Activities like these showcase the power of combining literacy, creativity, and discovery in library spaces!