Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award

During my work in Bellview library, I continually learn about reading programs and awards. My latest discovery is the Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award. Voting is currently open and continues until April 30.

Beverly Cleary award: Voting begins this week

Beverly Cleary award titles in Bellview library

Voting opened this week for the 2016 Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award, which is open to Oregon elementary students.

Oregon Battle of the Books regionals

One of the definite highlights to my week was volunteering on Saturday as Bellview Elementary School hosted regional competitions for Oregon Battle of the Books. In Bellview library, I do my best to promote the reading of books and it was interesting to see the teams quizzed upon their knowledge of this year’s titles. For me, the value is less upon the competitive nature of the tournaments and more upon hopefully instilling in students an enthusiasm for the books. It's great to see students return an OBOB title — the first in an author’s series — and witness their interest in, their captivation by the story as they seek the series’ later volumes.

Ballot box encourages children’s book award votes

This “ballot box,” a cardboard box covered with red craft paper and bright blue letters spelling out “VOTE,” really grabs students’ attention in Bellview Elementary School library. I’m getting great turnout by students casting votes in the Oregon Reader’s Choice Award.

One day this week, I found the box stuffed with slips of paper with presidential primary candidates’ names written on them. That wasn’t precisely the purpose for which I created this box, but the way I see it, the students are trying out adult roles and responsibilities. In just a few more years, they’ll be able to vote in earnest in the U.S. presidential election. I hope they hang on to this enthusiasm to vote and mature into engaged citizens.

Oregon Reader’s Choice Award: Voting open

Voting is now open for the 2016 Oregon Reader’s Choice Award, an annual opportunity for Oregon students to choose their favorite book through the democratic process.