CHECK IT OUT!

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you had a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and maybe even enjoy a good book.

My name is Karen Piedra, and I'm excited to begin my first year as the librarian at Briscoe Middle School! This year marks my 26th year in education and 14th year as a librarian. I continue to love helping students discover books they'll enjoy, build strong research skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Our library is a place where every student belongs. Whether they're searching for their next favorite book, working on a research project or simply looking for a welcoming place to learn and explore, the library is here to support them every step of the way.

Inside this month's newsletter, you'll find:

• 📚 Library information, hours, and checkout procedures
• 💻 Digital resources students can access from home
• 📖 My monthly book recommendations
• 🎉 How to access free eBooks and audiobooks from your portal
• 📅 An August monthly challenge to help you start the year off as a library expert!

I'm looking forward to a fantastic year of helping our Bengals discover new books, explore new ideas, and grow as readers. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if there's ever a way I can support your student.

Here's to a wonderful school year filled with great books and exciting adventures!

Karen Piedra
Briscoe Middle School Librarian
📧 karen.piedra@nisd.net
📞 (210) 398-1133

Log into your portal at myportal.nisd.net and click the Follett Library Catalog app to explore the Library Catalog. Search by genre, title, author or topic. You will be learning more about using the library catalog during your 1st library class this year.

Want to be able to read or listen to a book from the comfort of your home? Check out an eBook or audiobook today and have INSTANT access to read or listen to your book.

Click here to learn all about SORA, our district provided platform for ebooks and audio books and download a great book today!

Be sure to check out your Library course tile in Schoology! Inside you will find links to all of our monthly promotions & contests, book talks and trailers, as well as information about digital resources, password, and research help!

Click here to access the secondary digital resources.

Many of our digital resources will require a password when used from home. Click here to access the list of passwords - make sure you are logged into your NISD portal first!

Think you're ready to conquer the Briscoe Library? Stop by the library circulation desk and test your library knowledge with our Library Expectations Challenge! Answer 10 quick questions about library expectations, checkout procedures, and how to make the most of your library visit. Everyone who completes the challenge with the correct answers will earn a sweet treat!

It's a fun way to learn the library, discover what we have to offer, and start the school year like a library expert. Good luck, Bengals!