Information & Policies
LIBRARY PROGRAM
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.
student cHECKOUTs
All books may be checked out for two weeks. Checkout allowances are as follows:
3rd-5th Grades: 3 books
1st-2nd Grades: 2 books
Pre-K and Kindergarten: 1 book
A Playaway is an audiobook similar to an MP3 player and contains an entire novel is downloaded and recorded on the Playaway.
Only students in grades 3-5 have permission to check out one Playway at a time.
A playaway permission form must be signed and returned to the library before a student is allowed to check out Playaways, since they can be very expensive to replace.
If a student has an overdue book they may not check out a Playaway until their account is current.
There are no fees for overdue books. Students must return all overdue books before being allowed to check out additional items.
DAMAGED & LOST BOOK POLICY
Accidents happen! If a book accidentally becomes damaged, we ask that the student report the damage so we might try to repair the book. If a book page accidentally rips, please do not attempt to repair the book at home. We use special book tapes and glue, which resist heat and won’t discolor, and are better for the life of the book.
If a book becomes damaged beyond use or lost, we ask that the student pays the cost to replace the book so we can purchase that book again for our collection.
NOTE: Please do not purchase a copy of the book on your own. We will go through proper library vendors in order to acquire the highest quality library-bound copy as a replacement. This will ensure an extended life and future enjoyment for as many readers as possible.
parent/guardian checkouts
Parents & guardians may create their own school library accounts to check out up to 6 items for up to 2 weeks. Our library is open to parent checkouts after school, 3:00-3:30 PM.
We will use your primary phone number as your school library account number.
Automatic email overdue notices are NOT sent, so please try to turn in your books on time. Many parents send them to school with their student to turn in!
If you are interested in creating a parent/guardian account, please email us at Sommer_Library@roundrockisd.org .
LIBRARY MISSION
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.
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.