Library Hours:
The Library Media Center is open from 7:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Students are welcome to come in any time during the school day. If I am busy with a scheduled class, students can still check out books by signing their name and the barcode number of their book on a checkout log on the counter. Students can also come in to take Accelerated Reader quizzes or use the card catalog at any time, as long as they are not disruptive to the class in progress.
This year, Kindergarten classes have two 25-minute library periods per week. One of these is devoted to checking out books, while the other is an instructional or storytime. Grades 1-5 have one 50-minute library period per week, which includes checkout. Teachers may arrange for additional time for research as needed.
Checkout Policy:
Kindergarten and 1st grade students may check out 1 book at a time. They can keep it for one week. If it is not returned, it becomes overdue. There are no fines for overdue books, but the student cannot check out any new books until the overdue book is returned.
2nd through 5th graders may check out 2 books at a time for recreational reading, for a period of two weeks. Extra books can be checked out for research projects, if needed. Books can be renewed if the student does not finish reading them by the date they are due back at the library. However, keep in mind that other students may be waiting to read your book. Please return books on time!
Although students have a specific "library checkout" day, they may come to the library at ANY time with teacher permission to return books and check out more books.
Overdue lists are sent out weekly to the homeroom teachers. If a student receives an overdue notice, the price for replacing the book is usually listed. If the book has been lost, the student is expected to pay for it.
Borrowing books from the library is a privilege. When a student checks out a book or magazine, he/she is expected to be responsible for returning library materials in good condition.
Lost or Damaged Library Materials Policy:
Lost hardback books: If a student loses a hardback library book, the price that it cost the library is usually listed on the overdue notice. If it is not, we charge a flat rate of $15.00 for hardback books. This is the average cost to replace a book. Please do not purchase a copy of the missing book on your own. The books in our library have library bindings, which are stronger than the publisher's binding sold in stores. Also, our books have been cataloged and processed with a barcode and spine label. Yes, you might be able to purchase the book for less in a store, but it will have an inferior binding, and I will have to catalog the book, and add the spine label and barcode. Please just pay the fee so that the book can be re-ordered with library processing. If the book is found and returned later in the school year, your money will be refunded. Refunds will not be given if the book is returned more than a year late.
Lost paperback books: If the price is not listed on the overdue notice, we charge a flat rate of $2.00 for lost paperbacks. Although they usually cost more than that to replace, we take into account that paperbacks get a lot of wear and tear. You are welcome to purchase a replacement copy at the store, if you would prefer to pay the full price.
Lost magazines: There is a charge of $2.00 for any lost magazines.
Lost magazines bags: Magazines are checked out in gallon-size plastic bags with a barcode label attached to the bag. If the magazine is returned without the bag, the student is charged $2.00. If the student prefers to donate a gallon-size plastic bag from home, the charge is only $1.00 to replace the barcode.
Lost barcode labels: Students who return a book without the barcode label are charged $1.00.
Damaged books: Library books sometimes get damaged in backpacks or at home. If the book can be repaired adequately enough that it can stay in circulation, there is no charge. If the book is damaged to the extent that it can no longer be used, the student will be charged the same amount as if it were lost.
Library Rules:
1. Follow directions
2. Keep your hands and feet to yourself
3. Walk, please!
4. Use quiet voices
5. Clean up after yourself