📚The Library Lowdown

September, 2020 Issue 5

Welcome Back 4J!

I hope you were able to find time to create fun memories this summer. Whether adventuring, gardening, relaxing, floating rivers and lakes, or reading a good book, I hope you took the opportunity to treat yourself.


I read a lot of books while in the backcountry this summer. Two of my favorites were Just Mercy by Brian Stevenson and The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton; amazing people with powerful, moving stories.


As you prepare for the most unique school year ever, please know that I am here to support you any way I can. As I gather and share resources with you, if you are in need of something I'm not providing, please reach out to me and I'll do my best to accommodate.


May you find the light in each crazy moment, breathe deeply, and know this is going to be a year of growth and learning. Sending you all my admiration for the amazing work you do!


Warmly,

Amy Page

The 4J Virtual Library is here to serve as a link to digital literacy and information resources. These resources will be updated often, so bookmark this page and share it with families as there are resources they may utilize as well. You will find a link to an updated version of the District Literacy Resource page, Sora (district ebooks and audiobooks), the Eugene Public Library, 4J library catalog, tech guides, and more. If there are links that don't work or resources you feel would be beneficial to add, please don't hesitate to let me know.
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Great news! Eugene 4J and the Eugene Public Library have established a partnership that allows ALL 4J students to receive a library card! This includes all teachers outside city limits and teacher assistants! This is nice timing given the state of school closures and online learning!


Please let families know library card applications will be sent home in an insert in the annual district handbook which will be sent home sometime this week (Spanish forms will be sent to Spanish speaking families). Families may also receive a card in person at the library. Forms (English/Spanish) will be made available at school offices for distribution as well.


Teachers and teacher assistants can call directly to receive a library card. These cards must be used for educational purposes only and not for personal use.


Helping students connect to this awesome resource will depend greatly on our ability to spread the word and encourage its use. Please help share the news in your classroom newsletters and communications. Feel free to come up with creative ways to encourage students to get their cards. In the interest of equity, let's blow them away with the number of applications they receive! Let's go, team!


Note: The EPL registration form is for 4J students only and should not be posted on public websites as it is not intended for the general public.

The slideshow above has directions for how to log in and use Destiny Discover, our district's online catalog, and how to use Sora to access district ebooks and audiobooks and connect to your Eugene Public Library account. There are also links to documents you can share with your students that give step by step directions (also linked below). Please let me know if you need any assistance with this.