Library Information
Collection Information
The Library Learning Commons’ at Walsh Intermediate School has a diverse collection of books and materials. Collection development is continuous and materials are selected to support the school curriculum, as well as to encourage a lifelong love of reading. The nonfiction and fiction collection contains a variety of materials covering a range of genres, interest levels, and reading levels for students in grades 5 through 8. The nonfiction collection is organized by call number which allows for easy shelf browsing based on interest or research areas. The fiction collection is organized by author’s last name within the following sections: General Fiction, Everybody Books (picture books), Quick Reads, Books Loved Around the World (books written in languages other than English), and Young Adult Books.
Students can freely choose to read any book in the collection regardless of their grade or age. This does not mean that every book is for every child. Please continue conversations with your child about books they are reading. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the WIS Library Media Specialist, Nicole Herget at nherget@branfordschools.org. If you would prefer that your child does not read titles for certain genres or subject areas, please contact Mrs. Herget directly.
Additional resources:
Common Sense Media - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Just Right Books - https://tinyurl.com/y96g4ra3
Choosing “Just Right” Books https://www.readingrockets.org/article/finding-right-book-your-child
Qualities of Young Adult Literature https://www.ala.org/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/tttcriteria
The Top Five Reasons We Love Giving Students Choice in Reading : https://library.ncte.org/journals/ELQ/issues/v38-3/28004
Student Guidelines/Information
Borrowing Materials:
All students with accounts in good standing are allowed to borrow items.
Students may borrow 3 items at a time.
Books may be signed out for 2 weeks and magazines for 3 days.
Students may renew materials, as long as another student is not waiting for that item.
Renewing Items
Items need to be renewed on or before the due date (see the stamp at the back of the book).
Students need to renew books in person by visiting the circulation desk.
Students may renew materials, as long as another student is not waiting for that item.
Returning Items/Late Items
Books and magazines should be placed in the book return at the circulation desk.
Students will receive late notices through their homeroom or language arts teacher.
Students who have late items are not permitted to borrow or renew items.
Lost/Damaged Books
Lost books should be reported to library personnel immediately.
If the book cannot be found, the student will be responsible for paying for the lost copy (parents/guardians will be notified).
If the lost book is paid for and then found in good condition, a refund will be issued (provided a replacement copy has not yet been purchased).
If a book is returned and is severely damaged (no longer fit for circulation), the student will be responsible for paying for the book.
When a student borrows a book, it is that student's responsibility to return the item on time and in good condition. If the book is lent to a friend/sibling, left in a classroom, etc., the student who borrowed the book is ultimately the one responsible for the book.
Public Library borrowing:
Books/materials unavailable at Walsh may be borrowed through the Blackstone Library.
Teachers/students must have a public library card.
Requests for materials need to be made by completing the Public Library Request form and the form should be given to Mrs. Herget.
Borrowed materials may be dropped off and returned to the circulation desk at Walsh.
Fines will accrue if materials are returned late.
Working/Reading:
Students may work or read in the media center, if given permission by a teacher.
Each student must have a pass.
Each student must check in at the circulation desk prior to finding a table to work/read.
Students should:
Respect others who are working and reading in the area.
Stay focused on task.