Library Spotlight
Jr. Librarians Club at Northwoods Elementary
Do you love books, helping others, and being the first to know about the best reads in the library? The Northwoods Elementary Jr. Librarians Club might be just the thing for you!
Open to 4th and 5th-graders, the Jr. Librarians Club is a special opportunity for students who are passionate about reading and want to take on a real leadership role in their school library. Jr. Librarians are the heartbeat of this library, and we couldn't do what we do without them!
What do Jr. Librarians do?
- Shelve and organize books to keep the library running smoothly
- Help younger students find books they'll love
- Assist during library classes
- Create eye-catching displays and signage throughout the library
- Participate in exclusive book tastings, sampling new titles before anyone else
- Curate the Jr. Cardinals Book Recommendations, sharing their favorite reads with the whole school
When do they meet?
Jr. Librarians help out during morning open checkout on ERPD student 1/2 and at other times throughout the school day with teacher permission.
What does it take?
Jr. Librarians are expected to maintain good behavior and strong academic standing throughout the year. This is a responsibility and an honor!
Think you have what it takes? Talk to Mrs. Holcomb in the library to find out more!

Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books Is Coming — Do You Have What It Takes?
Think you know your books? Prove it! Battle of the Books (BOB) is a fast-paced, quiz-bowl style reading competition open to incoming 4th and 5th graders, and it's one of the most exciting events of the school year!
Teams of up to 12 readers go head-to-head to answer questions about 15 pre-selected books. Every question follows the same format: "In which book does ___ happen?" and here's the twist: no character names or place names are ever used. You must really know your stories!
Students work together, cheer each other on, and compete for the chance to show off their reading knowledge at Southwest High School in a full-day tournament field trip.
BOB is a commitment; after-school practices, home reading, and a whole lot of teamwork, but ask any BOB veteran: it's worth every page.
Interested? Complete the interest form and get ready to read!
BOB 2026 - 2027 Interest Form
BOB Competition Details

Jr. Cardinal Honor Society
At Northwoods Elementary, we believe that excellence goes far beyond the classroom, and the Jr. Cardinal Honor Society is where that belief comes to life.
The Jr. Cardinal Honor Society recognizes 4th and 5th-grade students who go above and beyond in four key areas: Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service. These aren't just words, they're a way of life for our Honor Society members.
Who is eligible?
Each spring, rising 4th and 5th-graders who have demonstrated excellence during the first three nine-week grading periods are invited to apply. Eligible students must maintain a 90% average across all classes and demonstrate strong character, a spirit of service, and a commitment to leadership in their school and community.
What does the process look like?
Invited students complete a formal application that includes a student statement, a parent/guardian statement, and a teacher recommendation. Applications are reviewed by a faculty council, and selected students are honored at a special induction ceremony.
What does membership mean?
Jr. Cardinal Honor Society members are role models for their classmates, for younger students, and for their community. Members are expected to volunteer their time, participate in Honor Society events and meetings, maintain their academic standing, and carry themselves with the character and pride that this honor represents.
Being selected for the Jr. Cardinal Honor Society is one of the highest honors a student at Northwoods Elementary can receive. We can't wait to see who rises to the challenge!
Questions about the Jr. Cardinal Honor Society? Reach out to Mrs. Holcomb in the library.


Author Visit
On March 12, Award-winning children's author Diane Z. Shore visited our library and brought lots of energy, laughter, and encouragement for our K–5 readers and leaders!
Mrs. Shore gave three presentations and stayed for a book signing.
That's where the real magic happened. I watched students light up when they shared their love of reading, and asked for (and received) hugs, and watched Mrs. Shore light up right back… that was everything! 🤗
From: Mrs. Diane Shore
Thank you for inviting me to Northwoods last Thursday and allowing me to share my love of reading and writing with your students.
And what smart, polite, attentive students they were!
So participatory and eager to learn.
I'm so glad I was able to speak with the students who purchased books at the book signing.
It was a great day! I hope the kids had as much fun as I did!
Best, Diane

Book Vending Machine
You've Earned It — Now Pick Your Book!
Hard work pays off here at NWE! When students show amazing personal growth in reading and math, they earn a golden coin — the key to our very own Book Vending Machine in the library!
Packed with a wide variety of books just for our K–5 readers, the machine is always stocked and ready for its next lucky visitor. Students get to walk up, drop in their coin, and choose a book that's all theirs to keep!
Because every great reader starts with one great book — and every great book starts with YOU putting in the work. Keep growing, keep shining, and maybe that golden coin is closer than you think!
