Cesar E. Chavez Elementary librarian Martha Dyer decided it was time to freshen up the shelves.
With the help of a 2022 SELCO SPARK! Creative Learning Grant (now known as Creative Educator Grants), she replaced what she lovingly called the library’s “oldie moldies” at the Eugene school with vibrant new books that reflect the students’ diverse interests and experiences. But she didn’t stop there—she turned the debut of these new reads into a full-on celebration.
To introduce the updated collection, Martha hosted a book tasting, complete with restaurant-style décor and table settings. Students moved from table to table, sampling different genres, reading short excerpts, and rating their favorites.
Students returned in the following days eager to check out the books they’d sampled, and teachers reported renewed excitement around reading.
