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Happy Summer! Click here for the 2025 Summer Reading Lists:
May 2025
Middle School Students Compete in Battle of the Books
Middle School Students Compete in Battle of the Books
On Tuesday, April 29, students from Martin Luther King Jr., Willard, and Longfellow Middle School met at Oxford Elementary School to put their literary knowledge to the test during the Battle of the Books. This years winners were Martin Luther King Jr., which took the top prize for 6th and 7th grade, and Willard, which won for 8th grade.
Battle of the Books is a middle school reading club which met weekly, culminating in a quiz-show style competition to see which team remembers the details from books on their pre-selected reading list.
Special thanks to our teacher librarians who helped put on this event including Eric Silverberg, Andrea Kneeland, Chloe Smith, Melanie Ford, and Tom Holmes; our library staff who served as ushers including Emma Spertus, Amielle Zemach, Rachel Kadner, and Gaddy Barbero-Reyes; along with Jessica Lee, District Library Coordinator.
Willard, King, and Longfellow 6th graders kick off the Battle of The Books.
June 2024
Summer Reading
Summer Reading
There are lots of way to keep the joy of reading going this summer!
Find grade level recommendations for summer reading HERE from our BUSD librarians
Sign up for Berkeley Public Library's Summer Reading program
3-12 grade students can access ebooks and audiobooks all summer through Sora
TK+ students can access ebooks and audiobooks all summer through Tumblebook Library
December 2023
Berkeley Technology Academy Opens New Library!
Berkeley Technology Academy Opens New Library!
Berkeley Technology Academy has opened a brand new library! The library space features gorgeous new custom-designed seating and study spaces, as well as a collection of over 1,000 books available to students and teachers. The collection will continue to add hundreds of new books throughout the school year to meet the needs of our eager readers.
September13 , 2023
Author Grace Lin visits with Berkeley students!
Author Grace Lin visits with Berkeley students!
Grace Lin, the award-winning author of over 50 books, including Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, visited 3 BUSD elementary schools to talk about her new book, Chinese Menu: The History, Myths and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods. Students were able listen to stories from her new book, act out a readers' theater with the author, follow along to a live dragon-drawing demonstration, and participate in Q&A.
September, 2023
Resources celebrating and honoring the Latine/x American community in BUSD!
Resources celebrating and honoring the Latine/x American community in BUSD!
In honor of Latine/x American Heritage Month, the library services department created these Latine/x American Heritage Reading Lists. Spanning preschool through high school and organized by grade level, these reading lists represent recently published books by Latine/x American authors authors that are devoted to celebrating their culture and uplifting their valuable contributions.
August, 2023
Welcome Back!
Welcome Back!
The school libraries are now open and welcoming students!
Elementary school students visit their libraries every week with their classes.
Middle school students visit their school libraries with their English teachers.
High school 9th graders will begin their universal introductions to the BHS Library shortly
All school libraries are open for students to drop in to browse and check out books.
All school libraries have Chromebooks available for students to bring home for the school year.
*Schools under construction will have modified access for student safety.*
June, 2023
Summer Reading
Summer Reading
There are lots of way to keep the joy of reading going this summer!
Find grade level recommendations for summer reading HERE from our BUSD librarians
Sign up for Berkeley Public Library's Summer Reading program
3-12 grade students can access ebooks and audiobooks all summer through Sora
TK+ students can access ebooks and audiobooks all summer through Tumblebook Library
May, 2023
Resources celebrating and honoring the AAPI Communities in BUSD!
Resources celebrating and honoring the AAPI Communities in BUSD!
In honor of National AAPI Heritage Month, the library services department created these AAPI Heritage Reading Lists. Spanning preschool through high school and organized by grade level, these reading lists represent recently published books by AAPI authors that are devoted to celebrating their culture and uplifting their valuable contributions.
May, 2023
Join us for Battle of the Books!
Join us for Battle of the Books!
On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, student teams from King, Longfellow and Willard will be competing in a quiz show style competition for this year's Battle of the Books. Please join us in cheering on these students who have been preparing all year for this competition! Everyone is welcome to attend - food trucks will be available for dining.
Where: Berkeley Adult School Multipurpose Room, 1701 San Pablo Ave.
When: Tuesday, May 2 from 6:30-8:30
Find out more information about the event here!
April, 2023
Resources celebrating and honoring the Arab American & SWANA community in BUSD!
Resources celebrating and honoring the Arab American & SWANA community in BUSD!
In honor of National Arab American Heritage Month, the library services department created these Arab American & SWANA Heritage Reading Lists. Spanning preschool through high school and organized by grade level, these reading lists represent recently published books by Arab American and SWANA authors that are devoted to celebrating their culture and uplifting their valuable contributions.
March 7, 2023
BUSD Libraries Advisory Committee
BUSD Libraries Advisory Committee
Everyone is welcome to take part in the BUSD Libraries Advisory Committee. Learn how the budget is developed. Share your opinions on spending priorities. Anyone who is interested can participate. Attend all four meetings or just drop in for one. No commitment is required.
Thursdays 6:00 - 7:30 pm : March 9, March 16, March 23, and April 13
At the District Office, 2020 Bonar St. Room 126
BUSD-LACflyer.pdfFebruary, 2023
Resources celebrating and honoring the Black community in BUSD!
Resources celebrating and honoring the Black community in BUSD!
In honor of Black History Month, the library services department created these Black Lives Matter reading lists. Spanning preschool through high school, these lists represent recently published books that are devoted to cultivating Black joy, pride and love, and celebrating the incredible contributions and history of the Black community.
And if you're looking for resources to prepare for Berkeley Unified's Oratorical Festival, take a look HERE. You'll find digital resources, videos of sample performances and recommended books & readings.
February 7, 2023
Author Kelly Yang visits with Berkeley students!
Author Kelly Yang visits with Berkeley students!
Kelly Yang, the award-winning author of Front Desk, visited with BUSD students on Zoom on February 7. Over fifty 4th & 5th grade classrooms from every elementary school - almost 1300 students! - participated. Kelly Yang talked about her writing process, gave students a sneak peak into her new book Finally Seen, and answered student questions. Thank you to Kelly Yang, for her amazing books and for spending time with our students!
January 30, 2023
Mock Newbery Book Club winners announced!
Mock Newbery Book Club winners announced!
The results are in!
The results are in!
In October, 4th and 5th grade students were invited to join the Mock Newbery Book Club at each elementary school - they met weekly during lunch in the library to talk about the nominated books. At the end of January, they voted for their favorites...and the winners were announced on January 30!
October 14, 2022
October 14, 2022
Middle school students are encouraged to join the Battle of the Books teams at their schools. Each year, the middle schools read from a shared list of books. Then - in the spring - they meet head to head in a trivia competition. Check the website for this year's list of books. And talk with your teacher librarian if you want to join the club!
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