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!

📚🌟 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!

📕📕English I Book Talks

This week, I had the pleasure of hosting freshman English classes to deliver two engaging book talk presentations. Each session introduced students to an exciting mix of historical fiction, realistic fiction, and fresh titles by both popular and debut authors. From interesting narratives set in the past to contemporary stories that reflect students' challenges and achievements, there was something for every kind of reader.

In both presentations, we explored gripping tales from history—Bluebird by Sharon Cameron and The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson. Other titles spotlighted included realistic fiction mysteries and adventures alongside buzz-worthy new releases that students won’t want to miss. After the presentation, students had time to browse the shelves and connect with stories, checking out books, and sharing their excitement with one another. How awesome it is to match students with books!

🎃👻 Dark Tales and Digital Reflections: A Halloween Activity

Yesterday’s Halloween advisory session took a spine-tingling turn as students gathered in the library for a read-aloud from Things That go Bump in the Night by Patrick Carman. 

We kicked things off with an introductory video before diving into the story “Heart of Stone,” a creepy, captivating short story. After the read-aloud, students watched the story’s wrap-up video, setting the perfect atmosphere for a reflective activity. Using Padlet, students responded to the prompt “Whatever you do…” with creative, eerie responses that tied directly to the story. To bring their words to life, students typed their thoughts and used the Padlet AI image generator to create visuals related to their statements, resulting in a hauntingly engaging mix of text and imagery.

CLICK HERE to access the full Padlet of students' responses.

Here are a few of the students' responses close up:

This activity not only added Halloween fun to an advisory session but also supports my professional development goal of promoting positive relationships, mindfulness, and bibliotherapy in the library. By choosing thought-provoking stories and prompts, students engaged in reflective thinking and shared their creative responses with their peers in a supportive environment. The visual component helped them connect with the story on a deeper level, allowing for self-expression and opening doors to conversations that promote empathy and connection. A big "thank you" goes to my teacher librarian colleague Dani whose work with Padlet and image generating inspired me to give this a try!

🗓🌟 Quarter 1 Library Statistics

As the first quarter wraps up, it's time to look at library statistics and to share some incredible highlights! This quarter, print and electronic circulation numbers soared, reflecting a fantastic increase in reading. Numerous classes visited the library, creating a vibrant space for learning, collaboration, and exploration. Additionally, literacy activities during advisory have been a hit, giving students fun and engaging ways to dive into reading and boost their literacy skills. It's great to see the energy and enthusiasm from students and teachers so far. Here's to an even more successful second quarter--let's build on this momentum!

National Hispanic Heritage Month & Book Tasting

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 - October 15 annually, so this week, we hosted a special book tasting in the library to celebrate! Students had the chance to sample a variety of books, each showcasing Hispanic authors, characters, or historical figures. 

The selection included fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels, giving everyone a diverse range of genres and stories to explore. From narratives about identity and culture to historical accounts, these books offered something for every reader. 

The tasting sparked great conversations and curiosity, and many students left with new books in hand to continue their reading journey. What a fantastic way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

👀😍 Button Making is a Hit with Students!

Such a fun advisory activity today with the button maker! It's the first-ever use for the button maker, and based on the smiles and conversation, it's likely that button making will be a regular event during this time!

Last spring the library acquired this button maker in hopes of offering a different kind of activity during advisory. While students often visit during advisory for literacy-based activities, the button maker offers a making and creative outlet for students. After some browsing and learning about different options, this is the button maker purchased:

Find it HERE on Amazon.com

To streamline the process--we have a 25-minute advisory period--tables in the library each held part of the button-making process: sizing (two button sizes were offered today), designing (either hand-drawn or chosen from books), cutting out the design, and making the button.

Students began working, choosing sizes and designing. Once circle were cut out, an efficient button making line formed. Many students created and took with them two buttons today and asked about the next button making session! Lots of smiles and giggles about buttons--a wonderful way to kick off advisory activities for the week!