Library Lowdown

Churchill High School’s library remains a vibrant hub of learning, exploration, collaboration, and connection. Teacher Librarian Debbie brings creativity and enthusiasm to the space, designing interactive experiences that spark students’ interest in reading.

One recent highlight was the “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover” reading raffle. Students were invited to select a mystery book wrapped in paper, choosing their next read based on a brief teaser. After completing their selection, students were encouraged to submit a short review card for entry into the raffle. Many shared that they thoroughly enjoyed their surprise read, and several admitted they would not have chosen the book if they had seen the cover first. The activity not only generated excitement but also encouraged students to step outside their usual reading preferences.

In addition, the “6–7” themed book display brought plenty of laughs, while the weekly “Would You Rather?” poll continues to be a hit. Each week, the majority of Churchill students stop by the library to cast their vote, further strengthening the library’s role as a welcoming and interactive space at the heart of the school.

So much has happened in Willagillespie and Twin Oaks this year. More books than ever are circulating, and thanks to donations from generous families and a gift from Tsunami Books, the libraries have been able to expand both their main collections and their always-available giveaway shelves for students.

Kindergarten and first-grade students have been exploring the world of nonfiction. They have learned about vertebrate and invertebrate subphyla and are currently studying the planets in the Solar System, including the dwarf planets. Next, they will turn their attention to the continents and oceans. Students are also becoming increasingly comfortable navigating SORA, the online library program.

Second- and third-grade students are reaching for the stars. They are gathering information about famous interstellar scientists and exploring the hard work and ingenuity involved in space exploration.

Fourth-grade students are examining the elements of storytelling, using AVID frameworks to study plot, character, setting, conflict, point of view, voice, and theme. They will eventually write their own books and will wrap up the year with a lively game of Trope Bingo.

Fifth-grade students are focusing on the ethical use of information technology and on evaluating sources for accuracy and usefulness. They are preparing to conduct a Differential Diagnosis project, in which they will solve a medical mystery case using clues they gather.

Together, these projects reflect curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking across all grade levels. 4J libraries are evolving into vibrant centers of discovery, where a love of reading and learning grows every day.

Students at Edison Elementary have been making the most of their beautiful library space this year. During library classes led by teacher librarian, Miss Katie Westerman, students have been sharpening essential library skills, including navigating the digital card catalog, understanding shelving order, and using a variety of library resources. Students in grades 2–5 have learned how to access 4J’s extensive digital library collection through SORA, as well as how to use educational databases and encyclopedias to support classroom learning.

In addition, students have practiced developing strong questioning skills, explored what it means to be responsible and courteous online, and discussed the importance of balancing media use with other interests and activities. Many students have also discovered new book series and genres through engaging book trailers and have enjoyed sharing their own book recommendations with peers.

Beyond weekly library classes, the Edison library continues to serve as a vibrant hub of activity. Oregon Battle of the Books is in full swing, with students eagerly attending weekly study sessions. The 5th grade leadership team collaborates with Miss Katie to produce a weekly news show highlighting school events, leadership traits, and mindfulness strategies. Students also benefit from a wonderful volunteer program that brings therapy dogs and their handlers into the library, providing special opportunities to read and connect.

Edison Elementary has also received notable recognition for student achievement. An article published by The 74 Million compared expected third-grade reading proficiency rates, based on county poverty levels, to actual performance. While Edison’s expected proficiency rate was 27.2%, the school achieved an impressive 72.5% proficiency rate. Miss Katie is proud to support students as they grow into confident readers, lifelong learners, and enthusiastic lovers of books!

In February we celebrate "the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society" (blackhistorymonth.gov). There are plenty of resources available to help celebrate. Check out the resources below and reach out if you need support.

• NEA K12 Lessons and Activities
• We Are Teachers: 34 Activities for Black History Month
• Black History Month Podcasts
• Black History Month Choice Board

World Read Aloud Day, presented by LitWorld, is a celebration of the power of reading aloud, and this year it is celebrated on February 4th!

As shared on the World Read Aloud Day site,

LitWorld founded World Read Aloud Day® (WRAD) in 2010 to celebrate the power of reading aloud to create community and amplify new stories, and to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right. Since then, WRAD has evolved into a global movement of millions of readers, writers, and listeners from across the world coming together to honor the joy and power of reading and continue expanding the definition and scope of global literacy.

Sign up to be a WRADvocate here and be sure to check out the WRAD Activity Hub, that includes stickers, book lists, StoryVoice Read Alouds and Draw Alongs and so much more!

Happy reading!

It's award season, and the Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award provides a fun opportunity for students in Oregon to vote on their favorite nominated book. As stated on their site:

This award, sponsored by the Oregon Association of School Libraries (OASL) is named in honor of Oregon-born children’s author Beverly Cleary. We encourage families to celebrate her life by reading her books and participating in the BCCCA contest, which was created in her honor.

Children of all ages may vote each spring for their favorite title from the list of nominated books. The winning title is announced on Beverly Cleary's birthday, April 12. Nominations include books targeted to the reading ability of 2nd and 3rd graders or a little higher.

Readers with reading levels of K-5th who have read (or listened to) at least two of the nominated books may each vote for their favorite nominee. The Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award is a reading engagement program sponsored by the Oregon Association of School Libraries. This contest opens on March 15th and closes on April 10th, 2025, at 6 PM.

Get students involved. Below are some resources for teachers.

• Slides decks and supporting resources.
• Voting information.

Students can learn about Italy, Olympic history, events, sportsmanship, the athletes and more! Check out the choiceboard below for resources and have fun!

The 2026 Youth Media Award winners have been announced! The YMAs celebrate the best diverse literature released in the past year. You can view the results here. It's an awesome list of engaging, diverse books!

• ALA's list and explanation of YMAs
• 2026 YMA Winners

Last year, Eugene Public Library Foundation held a Love Your Library art contest, featuring a public vote for the favorites. Now, celebrate library love at an art exhibit of dozens of the contest entries by all ages of local artists displayed on the Downtown Library's second floor through February. You're invited to meet the artists at a reception on Friday, February 6, 4-5:30 p.m.

Plus: the new 2026 contest has just opened, with a deadline of March 27 and categories for adults and youth. Prizes range from $1,000 for Grand Prize to $100 for Third Place. Find information and enter at eplfoundation.org.

On Saturday, February 21, you're invited to the Downtown Library for one or both of these get-togethers:

• 10 a.m.: Coffee and conversation: Get together to chat and try a variety of coffees and snacks from around the world. Learn about all the library offers, share your viewpoints, and bring your questions.

• 11:30 a.m.: Guided tour: Learn about our many services and items, our history and our new space on the fourth floor. Visit behind the scenes to see how books are processed and checked in. Bring your questions, too.

Ocaña shares that "meeting all kinds of people has always been one of my favorite parts of library work, and these days as library director, it's even more important to me to stay in close touch with community members. These events will be a fun, informal way to connect, where I can hear your views and answer your questions, and you can learn more about everything your library offers."

Though National Reading Month is in March, February is the time to start making plans to engage students in reading all month long. From read-a-thons and literacy nights to read-ins and book talks, there are plenty of ways to get students and families excited about reading through the month of March.

The National Education Association's (NEA) Read Across America event is often highlighted during the month of March. As stated on their website, "Read Across America is an annual reading and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading with this theme: Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers." Many choose to kick off the celebration on March 2nd and celebrate all month during National Reading Month, but NEA provides resources and activities to engage readers all year long. Reading Rockets has awesome resources and activities to engage students in reading as well as fantastic lists of diverse books.

Start planning activities for Read Across America now so the fun can begin during National Reading Month next month. March is just around the corner, friends!

It’s battle season, friends and many schools have already kicked off their Oregon Battle of the Books competitions!

The 4J Instruction Department is hosting the Elementary OBOB Region 3 North B tournament and needs your help. Please share the message below with your colleagues and families:

Eugene SD 4J is hosting the Elementary Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) Regionals on March 7, 2026, and we need your support!

We're seeking enthusiastic individuals to help make this event a success for our young readers. Your assistance is invaluable, and there are roles for everyone. Click on this link to see the variety of ways we are in need of assistance.

We believe in the power of teamwork and know that your unique skills and talents will make a significant difference.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

- 4J OBOB Planning Committee

For elementary schools to be included in the bracket, please fill out this school participation form by February 5th.

Regional Tournaments:

3rd-5th: Saturday, March 7th @ Arts and Technology Academy (ATA)

• Elementary OBOB Regional Team Registration form

6th-8th: TBA

9th–12th: Saturday, March 14, at North Eugene HS. Registration at 10 a.m.; event at 11 a.m.

Sora offers a variety of always available magazines for almost every subject area. From Sora:

Reach student readers with always available digital magazines! You can find magazines for every subject in the Sora app, which your students are already using for ebooks and audiobooks. Our collection includes current issues and back issues for over 100 of the most popular magazines for education and entertainment today. The best part? Each issue can be borrowed by as many students at a time as needed, with no waiting.

Find more magazines in this list and learn how to log in to Sora here.

Email: page_a@4j.lane.edu
Website: https://www.4j.lane.edu/technology/library/
Location: 200 North Monroe Street, Eugene, OR, USA
Phone: 5410790-7765
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4jlibrarymediaservices/mentions
Twitter: @AmyPageTL