La Grande School District Podcast: Interview with Margaret Spence

Building Connections Through the Middle School Library: Clubs, Battle of the Books, and Student Support with Margaret Spence

Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter welcome La Grande Middle School librarian Margaret Spence, who shares her path from Youth in Transition liaison (McKinney-Vento) to kindergarten para, behavior interventionist, and then librarian. Spence describes expanding the library into a hub for students by launching clubs such as Chess Club, Art Club (maker-style projects), and a monthly “choose your own book” book club with a tea-party format. She restarted Oregon Battle of the Books at the middle school, leading a team to win regionals in Baker City and compete at state in Salem, finishing 11th, after securing sponsors to reduce parent costs. She also received a grant to start a drama/theater club and started a yearbook, noting time constraints as her main challenge. Spence emphasizes building relationships so students trust her, engage in reading, and have a safe after-school space with snacks.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:30 Scott’s Life Updates

02:46 Margaret’s Education Path

05:30 Building Library Clubs

06:55 Battle of the Books

10:04 New Drama Club Plans

10:34 Why Clubs Matter

12:31 Growing Student Interest

14:22 Powerful Student Moments

16:14 Challenges and Time Balance