Frequently Asked Questions

Q What hours is the library open to all students and staff?

A The Library is open Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 3:15pm, including Recess and Lunch.

Q Am I allowed to eat and drink in the library?

A No. There is no food allowed to be consumed in the library. However, you are allowed to bring in a bottle with water to drink if you like.

Q How can I borrow a book or use the printers?

A The best and quickest way is with your student ID card. Your Library Card is issued to you in Year 7, and re-issued as an update card in Year 9 and Year 11. You should always try and have your student ID card with you when you are at school and visiting the Library. It is still possible to borrow and print without your ID card, it just takes a little bit longer.

Q What happens if I lose my student ID card?

A If you lose your card a new replacement can be ordered for you at a replacement cost of $10. Just come and see one of the Library staff and we will help you get a replacement card.

Q How many books can I borrow?

A Students may borrow 4 fiction books for 3 weeks and 2 non-fiction books for 2 weeks. Senior students may also borrow 1 Closed Reserve book for 1 week.

Q What happens if I lose or damage a book?

A Unfortunately, from time to time, Library books are lost or damaged whilst in the care of a student. We ask in this instance the student make urgent contact with Mrs. Cowper as soon as possible to explain the situation, so an agreement can be reached. In these instances, Mrs. Cowper will likely make contact with the family in question to discuss what arrangements can be made. Students will be unable to borrow another book until the lost or damaged book has been paid for.

Q Can I get a refund if I find my book after I have paid for it'?

A Unfortunately no. It is not possible to give you a refund once you have paid for a book you have lost. This is why we ask you to have a really good look at home for the book before making a replacement payment.

Q Can I borrow another book if I have an overdue book?

A No. If you have an overdue book and need to borrow another book, even if it is a Class Set novel for class, you must return the overdue book first, before you are able to borrow any other book from the library.

Q I haven't finished reading my book and it is due back soon, what can I do to keep the book for longer?

A Come into the library and talk to one of the Library Staff before the due date. We can renew your loan for another 3 weeks, if it is a fiction book, or 2 weeks if it is a non-fiction book. The only time we are unable to renew a book is if someone else has put the book on hold and is waiting for you to return it.

Q How can I find if the library has a book that I am looking for?

A The best way to look for a book is to search our Library Catalogue using our eLibrary portal. Click here to access Gilroy Catholic College's eLibrary.

Q How can I put a book on hold?

A Sometimes you might want to borrow a book and it is out on loan. Come and see one of the Library Staff and we can put the book on hold for you, so that when it is returned, you will be next to borrow it. When it is returned, we will send you an email letting you know that the book is available for you in the Library.

Another way to put a book on hold is by searching for the book on eLibrary, you then click on "Place hold" and we will email you to let you know when the book is available for you to come and borrow it from the Library.

Q How can I ask for a book to be purchased which the Library doesn't own?

A Simply fill in our Request a New Book form and if we also love your suggestion, we will endeavour to purchase the book as soon as possible. If we do purchase the book, the student or staff member who requested the book will have the option of borrowing it first.

Q How can I ask for help with looking for a book or any resources for a school assessment?

A You can always come and ask one of our friendly library staff or fill out our Ask a Librarian form. You can also start your own research by searching our eResources and eLibrary databases.

Q I'm not much of a reader so if I come to the library is there anything else to do there apart from reading a book?

A Yes! Absolutely! We have many games that are available to students for use before school, recess and lunch. Some games that we have available are chess sets, Uno cards, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, giant Connect 4 and chess, Tri-ominoes, mindfulness colouring-in, Scrabble and other games as well. You can also come and study or do some homework as we have many tables and study nooks that are available for students to use. We would really prefer that you don't come to the Library to play computer games on your device and if we see you doing this, we will make some friendly suggestions about other fun things you can do. Use our beautiful space to be social and talk with your friends and other students. The Library is always a safe place to be.

Q I'm having problems with my device or with printing, who can help me?

A If you are having issues with your device such as not connecting to the school wi-fi, please go and see the IT Techies who are located in H8. They can also help with any issues with your device or with printing problems.

Library staff can help with showing you how to photocopy, scan or print documents from your device.

Q My device needs to be charged, can I charge it in the library?

A Yes. If you have your own charger, there are power points and charging points located throughout the Library. Please make sure that you stay with your device whilst it is charging. Don't just plug it in and walk away.

If you have not brought your own charger, we have a charging station that is located behind the Library Circulation Desk. You may leave your device with one of the Library Staff and we will charge it for you at recess or lunch. We also have a small number of chargers that we will loan to Senior Students but these may only be used in the Library for 1 period and must be returned before the student leaves the Library.

Q Are there any library groups that I can join?

A Yes, Mrs. Salkeld and Mrs. Cowper run our Bookends groups. Years 7 and 8 meet on Day 1 at lunchtime and Years 9 and 10 meet on Day 8 at lunchtime. Come along and join in the fun.

If you enjoy playing chess, there is also a Chess Club that runs at certain times of the year by senior students and a few teachers. Keep an eye out for the signs and also information during homeroom and on the daily messages.