The Patsy Sommer Elementary Library operates on a fixed library schedule with a flexible, open-access policy. Students may come to the library at any time to check out a book, research information, or read independently. Teachers work collaboratively with the librarian to schedule lessons based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), literature appreciation, research, and other media literacy goals. Students will be coached to use research models for information seeking strategies.
The PURPOSE of the Sommer Elementary Library is to promote literacy and the joy of reading, and provide flexible, open access to library services for our learning community. This includes instruction in the effective use of information, problem solving skills and library resources--print, non-print, and digital materials--through regularly scheduled class visits to the library, as well as times available for individual browsing and research.
Parents are welcome to set up an account to check out materials. Students may also visit before school at 7:10-7:35 AM.
Pre-K through kindergarten may check out 1 book per week. This number may increase for kindergarteners later in the year.
1st & 2nd graders may check out 2 books for up to two weeks.
3rd-5th graders may check out 3-4 books (at teacher/librarian discretion) for up to two weeks.
Exceptions will be made for class projects. A book may also be renewed up to two times, unless there is a hold request for that book.
If a book is damaged beyond repair or lost, the student will be billed for the replacement. Please send exact change or a check made out to "Sommer Elementary" if paying for a book. The student's account will be cleared for checkout upon payment.
Each student is issued one identification card with a unique bar code used in the cafeteria for food purchases and library checkouts. Replacement library/lunch cards are printed by the library, and now cost $5 to replace. Lanyard replacements for those lost or damaged beyond use are $1. Please send exact change or a check made out to "Sommer Elementary" if your student needs a new card and/or lanyard.
PreK through first grade students will be given zipper plastic bags to protect their books in their backpacks. We highly recommend using the bags to prevent damage from water bottles and food that may also be in backpacks. Older students are encouraged to use gallon bags to keep their books undamaged.
Portable audiobooks are a great way to experience reading! A Playaway is an audiobook similar to an MP3 player and contains an entire novel is downloaded and recorded on the device. A Wonderbook is a copy of the book with the audiobook device built into the book. After a 3rd-5th grade student and their parent have signed a responsibility form, the student may check out a Playaway for one week at a time.
The MISSION of the Round Rock ISD Library Services Program is to cultivate a community for creativity, literacy, and lifelong learning.
VISION: The RRISD Library Services produces discerning, information literate problem solvers who are prepared to succeed in a diverse society.
Our GOALS are to:
Cultivate a love of reading.
Preserve and protect intellectual freedom.
Foster creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.
Provide personalized learning opportunities and resources for staff and students.
Provide equitable access to technology and information literacy skills.
Serve as instructional leaders on campus, district, state and national levels.
Please visit the Round Rock ISD Library Services page for more information.
For information about how instructional materials, including but not limited to library items, are selected, click here. Information includes the Selection Criteria, Reading Assignments, Challenges, and Guiding Principles. A direct link to the district's legal policies is on the last slide.
We have been able to host these authors and storytellers through the generosity of our community and volunteer support of our fundraising efforts and our campus administration.
In recent years we have had the following visit our school:
Cherry Mo, author of Home in a Lunchbox (K-2)
Ross Burach, author of The Very Impatient Caterpillar series (K-2)
Adam Gidwitz, author of the Grimm and Unicorn Rescue Society series (5th grade)
Nicholas Solis, author of The Littlest Grito (K-5)
Mari Mancusi, author of New Dragon City (2nd-5th)
Margaret Clauder (as Mother Goose and The Book Worm)
Bridget Heos, author of the popular Mustache Baby series (Grades EE-2nd)
Fleur Bradley, author of 2024-25 Texas Bluebonnet List nominee Daybreak at Raven Island (Grades 3-5)
Lalena Fisher, author of 2024-25 Armadillo Readers Choice nominee, Friends Beyond Measure (Grades K-2)
Nell Cross Beckerman, author of two Texas Bluebonnet Award nominees: Caves (2024-25) and Volcanoes (2025-26) (Grades 1-5)
Varsha Bajaj, author of Thirst on the 2023-24 Texas Bluebonnet List (3-5)
Tammi Sauer, author of The Underpants, winner of the 2023-24 Armadillo Readers Choice Award (EC-2)
Varian Johnson, author of the Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee Twins
Jennifer Nielsen (virtual)