General
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April 06, 2026
How One Librarian Turned PTA Partnership into a Thriving, Up-to-Date Library Collection
When Mary Paige Boyce stepped out of retirement to become a certified school librarian at Richland School District Two’s Center for Knowledge and Center for Knowledge North in Columbia, South Carolina, she brought a unique blend of experience and fresh perspective.
With decades of work as a teaching and learning director and a newly earned Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina, Boyce, who affectionately calls herself the “Retired Rookie Librarian," returned with a mission: to revitalize her libraries’ collections and spark a love of reading in her students.
What she encountered, however, was a familiar challenge.
Rebuilding from the Ground Up
When Boyce began her position, the schools were much smaller and could not support a certified librarian. This contributed to an outdated collection.
“When I started, the average age of one of our collections... -
January 20, 2026
Junior Library Guild is excited to feature Rhapsody Smith: Ice Angel by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, a new Hi-Lo Middle selection arriving and ready to unbox this Winter 2025! This story combines the fast-paced excitement of hockey with a gripping mystery, perfect for middle-grade readers who love action, teamwork, and uncovering secrets.
Our selection team was drawn to the book’s mix of sports, suspense, and historical context, making it an ideal addition to any library’s middle-grade collection. As a Hi-Lo title, Rhapsody Smith offers high-interest storytelling at a slightly lower reading level, making it accessible, approachable, and irresistible for readers ready to dive into a story full of heart and action.
We can’t wait for readers to discover Rhapsody Smith and experience the thrill of the rink. Special thanks to Lorna Schultz Nicholson for contributing the blog below, offering insight into her inspiration and the story behind the book.
Rhapsody Smith, Ice Angel is a middle... -
September 25, 2025
Intro
Building a strong school library collection takes more than just adding new titles to your shelves. It’s about balancing budgets, saving time, and making sure the books you choose truly connect with students. For both school librarians and district administrators, finding the right vendor can make that process easier — and a lot less stressful.
Here are the top 5 considerations to keep in mind when choosing where to buy books for your school library.
1. Cost Per Book
Every budget decision counts. While one vendor might promote steep discounts, it’s important to look closely at what’s actually included. Shipping fees, processing costs, or the lack of bonus titles and support can make “cheap” options less valuable in the long run.JLG helps librarians make a fair comparison:
· Discounted backlist (previously selected books) titles and even free bonus books.
· Free shipping on every order means no hidden charges.
· Circ Perks loyalty program with exclusive savings...
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February 13, 2025
Students with dyslexia are “manual readers” or readers who read slowly and carefully to process information, and thus may become easily frustrated or discouraged by the process. While dyslexia cannot be cured, students with individual accommodations and support can succeed at school and other daily activities. One way your library can help support students with dyslexia is by offering a variety of engaging Hi Lo titles that peak reader’s interests and meet them at their reading level.
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February 02, 2025
On Monday, January 27, the 2025 Youth Media Awards were presented by the American Library Association at Lib Learn X. JLG is excited to share that our gold standard authors and illustrators received 54 awards and honors this year!
