Embedded Files
The Hope Elementary School Library is a safe and welcoming place for all students to grow as learners, readers and citizens of our school community and beyond.
2025-2026 Library Schedule
2025-2026 Library Schedule
AM Daily Open Library for Book Check Out (30 minutes)
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Pre-K Monday (30 minutes)
Kinder Monday, Wednesday & Thursday (30 minutes)
1st Grade Tuesday and Friday (30 minutes)
2nd Grade Monday, Wednesday & Friday (30 minutes)
3rd/4th Grade Tuesday & Thursday (40 minutes)
5th Grade Monday & Wednesday (40 minutes)
6th Grade Wednesday (55 minutes)
7th Grade Tuesday (40 minutes)
8th Grade Monday (40 minutes)
Library Expectations
Library Expectations
Library rules are posted in the library, taught at the beginning of the year and re-taught as needs arise. Middle school students sign an agreement to meet library expectations while using the library space.
Read more here: 2025-2026 HES Library Expectations
Book Care Tips
Book Care Tips
Find a special place at home to store school library books; always return them to that spot after reading! (and keep them separate from your public library books, a common mix-up!)
Encourage clean hands and no food or drink while reading.
Keep books dry and don't forget them outside.
Keep library books away from pets and very young children who aren't familiar with book care rules.
Treat books with respect (no coloring, taping or marking of books!)
If a page is ripped by accident, let Ms. Sowder know so it can get fixed up in our "book hospital."
Lost or Damaged Books
Lost or Damaged Books
Depite our best efforts, sometimes library books go missing. Please contact Ms. Sowder if you believe a book has been lost, or has been damaged beyond repair, and she can recommend affordable replacement sources. Families are asked to replace materials that are lost or damaged.
If the cost of replacement is a financial hardship, the library will waive replacement with no questions asked.
Collection Development Information
Collection Development Information
Brenna Sowder,
HES School Librarian
About Ms. Sowder
About Ms. Sowder
My first library card was in the easternmost library in the United States in Lubec, Maine -- and I still have it! I joined the wonderful team at Hope Elementary School as a library Ed Tech in 2024. I stepped into the Teacher Librarian role in 2025 and hold a provisional certificate for Library Media Studies in grades K-12.
Previously, I earned a B.A. from UMass Dartmouth in Writing/Communications and graduated with my English Language Arts teaching certification for grades 6-12. I also have an M.A. in Human Behavior from the University of Oklahoma. I have worked in marine mammal science, nonprofit communications for a science education program, and as a children's book writer. I am originally from Medford, Massachusetts, and live in Rockport with my family.
"You must do something to make the world more beautiful."
- Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Member Associations
Maine Association of School Libraries (2024- present)
Maine Library Association (2024- present)
American Association of School Libraries (2024- present)
American Library Association (2024- present)
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