Accelerated Searching for Accelerated Readers: Read the Books Database

Librarians know kids are back in school when we begin hearing these questions:

“I've got to read a book from this list…”

“My child needs a level 3.5 book from the Accelerated Reader list…”

“I need a book worth at least 4 points…”

Yes, the Accelerated Reader (AR) programs have begun in Birmingham City Schools. So, how can parents (and students and teachers) figure out which AR books are available at their neighborhood library?

It’s easier than you think. The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) subscribes to Read the Books. This online database includes the Birmingham City Schools’ Accelerated Reader (AR) lists. You can access each school’s AR book list from the BPL website. Then you can sort books by title, author, points, and grade level. Best of all, the books are linked to BPL's online catalog. Simply click on the title you want, and it takes you to the BPL catalog where you can locate and reserve the book you want. What a timesaver!

Fontaine Alison
Five Points West Regional Branch Library