BUSD Library News

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.

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.*

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

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.

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!

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.

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

More Info

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.

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!

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!

Find all of the voting results HERE.