December 2024
Contents:
As 2024 draws to a close, students and school librarians can reflect on the books they have read during the year. Apps like Libby and Goodreads make it easy to track books, and some readers may prefer to use a handwritten list or chart. However you choose to read and track your books (or not), I hope you have enjoyed reading and sharing books with students, colleagues, and friends this year.
I commute to work five days a week, and I usually listen to an audio book while I drive. I took a deep dive in my Libby app to discover how much time I have spent listening to audio books this year. By clicking the Timeline (book stack) button, I could see how many books I checked out in 2024. By scrolling down, I could click on each title to see my Reading Journey to see how many hours and minutes I spent with each title. I recorded this information in a spreadsheet, which then tallied all the numbers for me. I then used Canva to create the graphic below.
 I am on track to finish at least one more book before the end of the year, and I know I've also read poetry collections, graphic novels, and picture books that Libby did not include in my stats. Still, I found it helpful to review all of the titles I consumed this year through Libby. My favorite 2024 books, which were published within the past decade, included: 2 memoirs, 1 historical fiction, and 2 contemporary fiction. Three of these titles kept appearing on everyone's favorite lists last year, and I was intrigued by them. One book was gifted to me by my sister, and another book was recommended by Facebook friends after I posted about another book set during World War II.
Do you and your students share your favorite books from 2024? I would love to see your bulletin boards, displays, social media posts, etc. Email them to me at Jason.Stephenson@sde.ok.gov. I may feature some in the January 2025 newsletter.
Cheers,
Jason
The library of the month is Grove Upper Elementary School library from Grove Public Schools in Grove, Oklahoma. Their librarian is Miranda Ward. She is very passionate about book clubs, reading culture, and public library collaborations. Her biggest goal is to make the library the heart of the school. "For so many students, the school library is the only library they see. So, I want it to be special where they always know it's a happy place!" said Ward. Read on to hear more about some of her library's programming.
 Book Clubs
"Book clubs are one of my favorite library activities! Over the years, I’ve tried different formats to keep them fresh and engaging. One version I love is the Lunch Bunch book club, where students grab lunch to-go from the cafeteria and join me in the library to eat and talk about books. There’s something special about combining snacks and stories! In our library, which serves 4th-6th graders, each grade level sometimes selects its own book, genre, or author to explore."
"Last year was especially memorable, as we hosted a virtual author visit with Kristin O'Donnell Tubb. Each grade read a book related to service dogs: Luna Howls at the Moon, Zeus Dog of Chaos, and A Dog Like Daisy."
 "Afterward, I invited a local service dog trainer and dogs to the library to give students an inside look at how these dogs are trained to help people. We were lucky to receive a local grant to fund the books and author visit. While I do write grants for book purchases, I keep many book clubs simple, allowing students to choose their own books within a genre and then come together to share."
"Book clubs are such a wonderful way to build connections with students and give them a space to be part of a welcoming group. I believe that everyone can find their people in the library, and book clubs are a perfect way to make that happen."
Reading Culture
"For many students, our school library is the only library they’ve experienced, so I prioritize creating a welcoming, joyful environment. I see the library as the heart of our school—a place where everyone feels encouraged to explore and enjoy reading. To promote this, I create monthly reading themes that make literacy fun and engaging for the whole school community. We dedicate time during the day to celebrate reading, and I encourage teachers to join in too. Many students don’t often see adults reading for pleasure, so it’s a valuable example for them."
"One of our themes, for instance, was ‘Reading Is Fan-TACHE-tic!’ where students wore mustaches while they read, adding a playful twist to the experience. Initiatives like these foster a positive reading culture and make the library a place where students genuinely look forward to spending time."
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Public Library Collaborations
"In our town, we’re incredibly fortunate to have an amazing public library. Every year, I lead a Harry Potter book club at our school library, which has become a highlight for students. We conclude the club with a field trip to the public library, where students get to enjoy a full day of Harry Potter-themed games, activities, crafts, and a movie. This trip is particularly valuable for students who haven’t yet visited the public library, as it gives them a chance to explore its resources."
 "Additionally, I collaborate with the youth librarian, inviting them to set up a table during Parent-Teacher Conferences to provide information about library cards. This partnership strengthens our students' access to summer reading and literacy activities, enhancing their engagement with reading year-round."
Thank you, Miranda, for creating such a fun and happy library for your students in Grove!
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