Circulation Policy

"Studies show that wide, self-selected reading is related to our literacy development, our knowledge of the world, and achievement: [p]eople who read more read and write better, know more, and accomplish more in life."

- Stephen Krashen, Proessor Emeritus, University of Southern California

The District 181 Information Literacy standards require that students in all grade levels read and/or listen to works by a wide variety of authors and illustrators, a variety of formats, and that they select their own materials for personal reading and enjoyment. The Common Core State Standards also require that students become thoughtful consumers of complex texts, both informative and fictional. The Prospect Library provides a rich collection of materials designed to assist students in pursuing their own reading and information interests.

Prospect Library lends books, magazines, and audio books to students. The circulation "rules" are as follows, although we do make exceptions.

  • All items are checked out for two weeks.

  • Students can place holds on materials that are checked out.

  • Kindergarten students can have 2 items.

  • First grade students choose 2 items at a time and can have a total of 4 books out.

  • Second - fifth grade students can have 4 item, unless they need more for a school project.

More information:

  • Parents and students can log on to our library catalog to see the what they have checked out. If you need help accessing your account, please let us know.

  • We notify parents and students about overdue materials via email, as well as verbally reminding students when they visit the circulation desk. We also can renew overdue items once if the student requests it.

  • If materials are lost, we encourage families to keep looking at home and at school. If items cannot be found, we charge what it will cost to purchase a replacement copy for the collection.

We value students' input for book suggestions. If there are books they would like the library to purchase, they can let us know by telling us, or use the Suggest a Book page.