There's not much down-time in the Teutopolis Junior High School Library. Teachers often bring classes to the library for computer work; faculty uses the facility as a meeting area; and students keep the path well worn between the book stacks and the circulation desk. However, January and February seem to be busier than usual. Here's what's going on:

Book Fair: It seems that in the Teutopolis Unit 50 District there is always another Scholastic Book Fair on the horizon and this time it's at the Teutopolis Junior High School. The Fair officially opens Thursday, February 4 and runs through Tuesday, February 9. Hours for the Fair are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Though parents and family members are welcome any time throughout the day, a special Open House will be from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Friday, February 5. The evening will sport raffles and a variety of books and reading - related items that will make great Valentine remembrances. If you have questions, feel free to email yallalys@ttown.k12.il.us or call the junior high school (857-6678).

TJHS Book Discussion Group: An enthusiastic group of junior high students met for the first time on Wednesday, January 13 to establish this year's Book Discussion Group. The 14 students discussed titles/genres for future discussion as well as favorite titles and authors. Future activities include helping with the Book Fair, learning about reading and book websites (Novelist, LibraryThing.com, etc.), a possible field trip, and, of course, book discussions. The Junior High School Book Discussion Group is open to any junior high school student who is interested in books, reading, or literature. Current students include: Trent Goeckner, Sydney Ladendecker, Katie Rexroat, Kylie Lewis, Patricia Campbell, Ben Feldhake, Anne Runde, Haley Konigsbauer, Katie Will, Dakota Althoff, Cheyenne Rhodes, Ashley Schaufler, Sarah Thoele, and Taylor Overbeck.

Information Literacy Skills: All seventh graders met in the library for 2 days in January with the purpose of learning about the school's new library catalog system - SILNET. The SILNET database is a consortium of materials owned by many of the Shawnee Library System libraries. This includes schools, public and a few college libraries. Some instruction was also given on constructing effective Web searches. Later in January, the eighth graders will receive similar training.