In 1983, Linda Turner was a teacher at West Park Elementary School. She read about a book contest Alaska had on short wave radio to answer questions about books, so she adapted the idea to create a literacy project for her students.
“When I started Battle of the Books in my classroom 40 years ago, I intended it to be an exercise to increase literacy for all levels of readers,” said Turner. There were doubters that this program would last, but when you tell me something won’t work. I make it work. The program soon expanded from my classroom to all intermediate levels, then all Hermiston schools, eventually reaching throughout Eastern Oregon. After 40 years, the Oregon Association of School Libraries has adopted the program and makes the competition available to all schools across the state of Oregon for 4th through 12th grade.”
Battle of the Books is used to encourage and recognize students who enjoy reading, to broaden reading interests, to increase reading comprehension, promote academic excellence, and to promote cooperative learning and teamwork among students.
Now retired, Turner recently became a member of Altrusa International of Hermiston, and was immediately interested in the organization’s focus on literacy. She quickly convinced Altrusa’s members to join her in celebrating the 40th anniversary of Battle of the Books with an adult competition.
It will be held on March 14 at West Park Elementary School, the original site. The event starts at 6:30 p.m.
Teams representing Altrusa, Kiwanis, Catholic Daughters and Lions will be given six classic children’s literature books to read ahead of the event. The teams will compete on their knowledge of the books. Questions will be posed by moderator Kristi Smalley, a retired media specialist from the Hermiston School District. Smalley and Turner believe that an adult version will be a perfect way to celebrate 40 years of Battle of the Books, and will serve as a good example to students.
During the event, testimonials will be given from past participants, parents, teachers, and administrators as to the effect Battle of the Books had in the lives of students.
The public is invited to attend.
A 40-year anniversary celebration cake will be served, along with cookies. Those interested in expanding literacy in the Hermiston area are encouraged to donate a new or gently used book, or make a cash donation that will be used for Altrusa’s literacy projects.
