OPS, DCPL partner to modernize reading and literacy through Sora app

November 14, 2020 | 12:07 am

Updated November 13, 2020 | 11:12 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

Owensboro Public Schools and the Daviess County Public Library have formed an innovative new partnership to promote literacy and increase access to digital learning through the Sora app.

Through Sora, the new student reading app for Owensboro Public Schools, students can now borrow from the school’s collection of ebooks and audiobooks, and also access the Daviess County Library’s juvenile and young adult digital collection. 

In addition, Sora supports teachers by offering education-specific tools like achievements, exportable notes, and reading progress that encourage individualized learning.

“Our Virtual Academy and in-person students have checkout privileges 24/7 through the Sora app,” said OPS District Literacy Coach Amy Bellamy. “Even a student who doesn’t have a public library card can access the same great books as those who do. SORA will encourage all students to easily access books on a variety of topics and will help them grow towards a love for learning and reading.” 

Digital Learning Coach Sydney McFadden said Sora offers many features and is easy to use for students.

“Students can personalize their text using the text scale and lighting and take notes and highlight,” she said. “Some titles even have a dyslexic font option. Sora allows you to easily download a book to your device, so students can download the ebook or audiobook at school or when they have WiFi, and then read offline later.”

McFadden said Sora will allow more equitable access of digital resources to all OPS students, no matter where they are. 

Books borrowed through Sora are automatically returned on the due date, which prevents any possibility of late fees.

Any OPS student that would like to explore the Sora app, can follow these steps: 

1. Download the free Sora app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store (works on chromebook devices) OR login to clever.tradition1871.com on any web browser and click the Sora Icon under “more apps.” 

2. Find Owensboro Ind School District by typing “Owensboro Ind” in the search box and selecting “This is my school” under “Owensboro Ind School District.” 

3. Click “Sign in using Owensboro Ind School District,” and it will log in automatically via Clever. 

4. Browse or search for books and click “Borrow” to begin reading right away. You can also place a hold on a book that is not currently available. 

To add the Daviess County Public Library: 

1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) at the top of the app.

2. Click “Add a library.” 

3. Find Daviess County Public Library by typing “Daviess County Public” in the search box and selecting “This is my library” under “Kentucky Libraries Unbound.” 

4. Switch back and forth between OPS and DCPL at any time by clicking the menu button at the top and selecting from the list of libraries.

November 14, 2020 | 12:07 am

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