Library Q and A

1) How many books can students check out?

A: The normal limit is 5 books for 4th and 5th grade, 3 books for 1st - 3rd grade, 1 book for kindergarten initially, and 2 books for kindergarten as the year progresses. If anyone with a good record for returning their books needs more than that for a project or during a vacation, we can work it out!

2) When are the Scholastic book fairs?

A: This year we will be having one book fair the week of March 3rd, 2025.

3)  How many new books does the library get each year?

A: Our goal, made possible by a combination of district funds and book fair proceeds, is to replace about 5% (approximately 500 books) of our collection each year with new books.

5) Are there library fines?

A:  There are no overdue fines. There ARE fines for damaged and lost books, however. If a book is lost or damaged, parents are asked to pay the replacement cost. 

6) How do I pay for a lost or damaged library book?

• Before paying for a library fine please look for the book one more time.  Check under the bed, behind the dresser, under the couch, in the car, and at day care.  Books are frequently found the day after the fine has been paid, and then you must wait about two weeks to receive a refund.

• If you think your child returned the library book, please check with the Librarian and your child's teacher before paying the fine.

• Once you've determined that you cannot locate the book, please send payment in the exact amount to the Crystal Springs office as cash or check.  Checks are payable to "Crystal Springs Elementary". You may also pay the fine online for an additional fee at https://www.nsd.org/resources/online-tools/payments.

7) Can students see what books they have checked out from home?

Yes, your student can see which books they have checked out from home.  Follow these steps:

• Start at Clever

• Select Follett Destiny Discover (your student should be logged in automatically).

• Select My Stuff

• Then Checkouts

8) Do you tell students what they can and can't check out?

No.  We have over 9,000 books in our library and we serve nearly 500 students.  All students are allowed access to all areas of the library once they demonstrate they have the necessary skills. Often, parent volunteers check out books to students, and some older students can check out their own books.  I am not able to read every book in our library or see every book that goes out with each child. State-endorsed librarians select books to cover a wide range of interests and reading levels and vetted titles with professional reviews before adding them to the library. Part of library education is learning how to choose a "just right" book.  

The best way to make sure your students are checking out books that are just right for them in reading level and content is to check their backpack and read with them. We encourage students to share what they are reading with their families.  If you do not believe a book is appropriate for your child, he/she can return it and trade it for another book.

The American Library Association's Bill of Rights states, "The school library media program plays a unique role in promoting intellectual freedom. It serves as a point of voluntary access to information and ideas and as a learning laboratory for students as they acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in a pluralistic society. Although the educational level and program of the school necessarily shape the resources and services of a school library media program, the principles of the Library Bill of Rights apply equally to all libraries, including school library media programs.  Under these principles, all students have equitable access to library facilities, resources, and instructional programs . . .

Major barriers between students and resources include but are not limited to imposing age, grade-level, or reading-level restrictions on the use of resources; limiting the use of interlibrary loan and access to electronic information; charging fees for information in specific formats; requiring permission from parents or teachers; establishing restricted shelves or closed collections; and labeling. Policies, procedures, and rules related to the use of resources and services support free and open access to information."

(http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/accessresources)