Orange County Schools is teaming up with Barnes and Noble for a fundraiser to bring a more wide variety of books to their classrooms.

Durham’s New Hope Commons Barnes and Noble is now featuring a table filled with books available to be purchased and donated to the Orange County School System.

Orange County Schools chief academic officer Michele Woodson says these books will supplement those already available in the school’s libraries and media centers and will offer teachers a better opportunity to engage their students.

“[We’re] just wanting to build the opportunity to have texts in classrooms for kids to be able to be engaged in so that they’re able to read information that they’re interested in as well as meets their needs on their reading levels,” says Woodson.

Any books donated will be readily available to students in their classrooms, which Woodson says promotes a workshop structure in Orange County schools.

One of the fundraiser’s goals is to promote diversity in the books available in schools.

“We want to make sure that we’re including a diverse group of texts,” says Woodson. “We want a variety of authors from a multitude of backgrounds as well as different content areas.”

Barnes and Noble held a kickoff event on Saturday. Books are also be available for online purchase.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Schools Superintendent Jones Talks Back-to-School Tips, District Priorities for 2025-26
Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones joined 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell recently to discuss back to school preparation and district priorities.
Speaking of Schools: Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones
Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, August 6.
Speaking of Schools: Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones
Orange County Schools Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, June 27, discussing district news and events. She talked about highlights from the school year that just concluded, what she's learned about Orange County Schools in her first year and a half as superintendent. She also talked about the budget,  and summer capital projects for the district. She discussed summer activities, including an upcoming back to school event and more.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before CHCCS, Orange County High Schools’ 2025 Graduations
The local school districts are preparing to hold their graduations this weekend and have shared instructions for participants and visitors.
Speaking of Schools: Gravely Hill Middle School Art Teacher Amanda Aguayo
Gravely Hill Middle School Art Teacher Amanda Aguayo spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 10. She discussed her Middle School Art classroom and how she approaches teaching art to that grade level. She discussed highlights from the year and some of what she loves about teaching. She also discussed her appointment to Governor Stein's Teacher Advisory Committee, and more.
Here Are Top Takeaways From The Chamber's 2025 State of the Community Report
The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro held its 18th State of the Community presentation for local leaders on May 7
Orange County Schools' Selena Masse Named First-Ever Outstanding Holocaust Educator of the Year
An Orange County Schools teacher was recently named the first-ever Outstanding Holocaust Educator of the Year. 
Orange County Commissioners Consider School Budget Requests Alongside Potential Federal Funding Cuts, Tax Increases
The Orange County Commissioners recently met with the CHCCS and OCS boards to review proposed budgets for the upcoming school year.
José Hidalgo Named Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year
José Hidalgo, a seventh-grade science teacher at A.L. Stanback Middle School in Hillsborough, was named the Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year Friday afternoon. Hidalgo was chosen from among 13 teachers who were named Teachers of the Year at their respective schools. “Hidalgo’s selflessness, dedication to his work, and ability to form strong relationships […]
Speaking of Schools: Daniel Kearns-Pickett on the OCS Health and Wellness Fair
Orange County Schools Mental Health Coordinator Daniel Kearns-Pickett spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 30. He discussed the upcoming Second Annual Orange County Schools Health and Wellness Fair at Orange High School on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 3 p.m. He talked about what would be at the Health and Wellness Fair, what motivated its creation initially, and who it is aiming to serve. He also discussed his journey in education, the importance of student mental health, and more.
›