Online Research Tools & Search Terms

With the new year under way, classroom teachers have reached out to ask about collaboration opportunities related to teaching research skills. Recently health classes came into the library to participate in a research lesson comparing Google searches and database searches to prepare for an upcoming assignment to share information about current health issues. 

Over the course of the lesson, students examined red flags and bias related to searches, and they spent time developing keyword searches using keywords, Boolean operators, and quotation marks.

Students in speech classes also participated in a similar lesson, again developing strong search terms and phrases. In a pre-assessment given in their speech classes, students shared that they were comfortable using Google Scholar but weren't aware of the benefits of accessing our school databases. 

Because of this, these groups had time to explore and search in three databases: Britannica Online, SIRS Issues Researcher, and GALE OneFile. 

Working in groups, students first developed keyword search terms and phrases based on provided topics like these:

After exploring databases, students again worked in their groups using the search terms they'd developed to work through an activity to practice using the databases and Google Scholar:

To wrap up their work, students completed quick reflections related to their work. 

While every table group shared at the start of the lesson that Google or an AI tool was usually their first choice when given a topic to research, many students individually stated at the end of the period that a database or Google Scholar may be a better choice given a specific task. And all students showed either a yellow or green ticket indicating that they were more confident when it comes to using keyword searching.

What a Year!

As another school year draws to a close, it’s time to look back and celebrate the incredible milestones we’ve reached together in the library! The numbers show that our school community continues to embrace reading, learning, and collaboration over the course of the school year.

First, library circulation numbers just keep climbing, and the growth is amazing! This year, students checked out a grand total of 6,140 books. When you look at where we were at three years ago--3,177 books--and at 4,535 books last year, our collection's reach is expanding rapidly year after year. Breaking down this year's numbers, fiction remains the favorite making up 78% of check-outs, and print books are still the preference at 93% compared to digital check-outs.

Beyond a love for independent reading, the library has cemented its role as a vital classroom extension. A record-breaking 361 class visited the library this year, including students from English, health, art, journalism, speech, and instructional methods classes. On top of that, the library functioned as a direct instructional space for 136 classes, covering everything from booktalks and research database deep-dives to Novels class lessons and read alouds. The energy teachers and students bring into this space every period is what keeps the library the vibrant heart of our school.

Finally, our dedicated AO/advisory periods continue to have an impact on student literacy. We hosted 61 literacy-related AO lessons this year, giving students targeted opportunities for open library time, quiet study, exploration of digital resources, and catching up on new book trailers.

There is so much to be proud of in the 2025-26. Thank you to all the students and staff who read, researched, and created in the library this year. You make the library the special place that it is. Have a wonderful summer, and happy reading!

🗯️📚Graphic Novel Book Tasting

Another book tasting today in the library, this time for the Life Skills English classes! As these groups are small, we had a very personalized lesson and could spend as much or as little time as we needed talking about different pieces of the lesson.

Students brought their Chromebooks to the library so we could begin with a MackinVIA review. 

Then it was on to the tasting itself. Tables were set with a variety of graphic novels in the following categories: War, Sports, Fantasy, Memoir, and Adaptations.

The table signage was created using Gemini's image tool, and after a few different attempts at prompting, the images reflected the content of the books in a graphic novel style.

Students then listened to a short booktalk from each category and had time to browse the tables and bookcases for a graphic novel to check out for class. Every student came away from the activity with a graphic novel, and some students, who'd checked out first books in a series, were already talking about reading the sequels.

Read Across America Celebration

Yesterday, the library included bridge-crossing trolls and clever goats to celebrate Read Across America 2026. The read aloud became an engaging experience that brought the magic of literature to life for students.

We dove into the hilarious and suspenseful retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett. To make the "trip-trap" of the hooves and the grumbles of the troll even more real, we used Novel Effect. (Shout out to Lacey Librarian!) This app uses voice-recognition technology to play synchronized music and sound effects during the read aloud, turning the shared reading into a cinematic event.

The fun didn't stop when the book closed! Each student accessed a digital 1-pager to help them continue their reading journey. This resource includes direct links to some of our absolute favorite interactive read-aloud sites:

• BookFlix: Where stories and non-fiction pair up for double the fun.

• Storyline Online: Famous actors reading beloved picture books.

• PebbleGo: Perfect for our curious researchers looking for animal facts.

• Mackin’s Storyteller Spotlight: Engaging videos from the creators behind the books.

It's always fun when former elementary library students join me in the library for read alouds like these! After doing several throughout the school year, many are "repeat customers" during AO and bring their friends! 

💪💥 Off to a Strong Start!

 With the first quarter now complete, it's time to take a look at our Quarter 1 library statistics!

Library circulation numbers just keep increasing, which is so great to see! Students checked out almost 400 *more* books in the first quarter this year compared to last year. And last year's circulation numbers were already an 18% increase over the year prior. 

Another amazing statistic is the increase in class visits to the library. Almost 115 times classes came into the library to work or to check out, or to participate in a variety of activities. When compared to the first quarter last year, class visits increased 87%!

Finally, AO sessions continue to draw students to the library. Nearly 200 students have visited during AO, which is also an increase in the total number of students compared to one year ago. 

There's a lot to be excited about in the library after just the first 9 weeks of school! Here's to an equally strong second quarter!

🐉♥️🌮 Back to School with a Storybook Walk!

With the start of school approaching, it was time to consider what to do with the hallway that now cuts through the library. The hallway alleviates congestion by providing another pathway connecting the two sides of campus, and while it's certainly not ideal, it does provide a literacy opportunity. 

While the "library side" of the hallway is decorated, the "hallway side" has remained bare, but no longer! After some consideration, I decided that a story walk might work. If you're not familiar with a story walk, please visit StorybookWalk.com to learn more. I knew that some alterations to the original concept would be necessary--we're inside, not outside, and physical activities might not be reasonable given the space and passing time constraints. 

During my time in the district, I have also served as an elementary librarian, and I wanted to choose a book that students would perhaps recall from their time in elementary library classes. Several books came to mind; however, choosing a book would ultimately depend on what was available in double copies at Half Price Books. :) I was so pleased that I could pick up two copies of Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri.

It was time to get to work! First, I prepared the double spreads of the story by carefully removing them from the books, taping them together, and putting them on a background. This creates a larger image and makes the spreads more eye-catching.

To ensure that I could keep track of the story and place the images in the correct order, I numbered the backs of the posters before I laminated them. When I was finished, I had 14 double spreads, as well as the title page and the final page of the story.

While traditional story walks can include physical activities, I knew that wouldn't work well in the library hallway. Instead, I used AI to suggest reflection questions or polls to connect to the text. Students are allowed to use their phones during passing time, so I included 4 different questions/polls (Canva and Google Forms to the rescue!) to insert among the posters. Each item has a QR code that students can scan to respond.

Other supplemental items included "page numbers" and introductory signs to generate interest and prep students for the story walk.

One of the introductory posters

Examples of the "page numbers"

After taking the time to space out the posters, I only needed to hang them along the hallway wall.

I'm so excited for students and staff to return to the building to see the story walk! What was a frustration for me has now become an opportunity to promote literacy--and a little nostalgia! I'm eager to see everyone's responses--and hopefully many smiles as they move through the hallway!

🎉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!