Library Policies

Library Policies

HOW DO I FIND WHAT I NEED?

Books can be found using the online library catalog (Follett Destiny) by entering author, title, subject, or key words. Of course, your librarian will also assist you whenever she is available.


HOW OFTEN DOES MY CLASS COME TO LIBRARY?

Students visit the library once a week for a scheduled class.


WHEN AM I ALLOWED TO CHECK OUT A BOOK?

You are allowed to check out a book during your scheduled library class.


AM I ALLOWED TO ENTER THE LIBRARY WHEN A CLASS IS IN SESSION?

Students may come to the library at any time to return books, but are encouraged to return books first thing in the morning.


HOW MANY BOOKS AM I ALLOWED TO CHECK OUT?

Each library sets its own policy on the number of book checkouts allowed; a general guide would be:


Kindergarten: 1 book

First Grade: 1 book

Second Grade: 1 book

Third Grade: 1 books

Fourth Grade: 2 books

Fifth Grade: 2 books


Please note: These numbers reflect the number of books a student may have out at any one time. However, he/she may come to the library, with teacher permission, for a new book, provided he/she returns the previous one/s and has NO OVERDUE or LOST, UNPAID FOR BOOKS.


Students in grades four and five who are doing research projects may have the limit extended for a project or assignments at the discretion of the librarian.



WHEN DO I HAVE TO RETURN MY LIBRARY BOOKS?

All students may sign-out library materials for one week. This means that the book is not considered overdue until a week has gone by.


Books may be renewed up to two additional times. The book must be present to be renewed.



WHAT HAPPENS IF I FORGET TO BRING BACK MY BOOKS ON TIME?

We do not charge a fine for overdue books. Overdue notices and friendly reminders are sent out on a routine basis. If a student has books overdue more than two weeks we reserve the right to suspend borrowing privileges, or limit the number of books out at any time, until the overdue items are returned. Parents, if you notice your child is not bringing home new books, please ask if they have a book that is considered lost or overdue. Sometimes, you send the book back, but it does not make it to the library. Sometimes, we send home a notice, but it doesn't make it home.


Students who have chronic overdues may have borrowing privileges revoked or limited, or have books they need for assignments signed out to their teacher, so they may complete an assignment. They will receive a bill for lost books if the items are not returned.


We attempt to instill a sense of responsibility while a book is in the possession of our students. This means they are responsible for caring for it, using a bookmark, renewing it, and returning it on time, so others may borrow it.



WHAT HAPPENS IF I DAMAGE OR LOSE A LIBRARY BOOK?

DAMAGED BOOKS: When a student checks out a book it is his/her responsibility to return the book in good condition. Part of the library curriculum for primary grades is the proper care of books. Although we devote a lot of time to this subject, we realize that accidents can happen.


If a book page accidentally rips, please do not attempt to repair it at home. We will repair the book in the library. Please return the book with a note so that we are aware of it. However, if a book becomes damaged beyond use, you will be billed for the replacement cost; you may choose to replace the book yourself with a new, hardcover copy.


LOST BOOKS: If a book is lost, we will ask the student's teacher to help the student search for the book in the classroom. Sometimes students mix their library book with classroom books, sometimes they lend it to a friend, sometimes books are found in the back of a cubby, sometimes they are left in the art room or music room. Occasionally, children simply put the book back on a library shelf. Of course, if the book is not properly checked in, the computer will mark it as 'out'. Sometimes there are computer glitches and of course, there is human error.


Once we have exhausted all possibilities at school, a note will be sent home asking for payment. Please note that borrowing privileges are withheld until the book is paid for. You will be charged the replacement cost of the book; you may choose to replace the book yourself with a new, hardcover copy.