Library Policies

General circulation policies:

Each grade level in Spring may check out a different number of books. For instance, Kindergarten usually begins to check out a book when the librarian and the teachers believe the students are ready. First grade usually continues to check out one book at a time. Each campus has a different personality, so the librarians at each determine the best number of items for each grade for their campuses.

Generally speaking, books are due in two weeks. There may be exceptions. For instance, if students check out a reference book, it may need to be turned in sooner. Check each campus library page for details.

Library Fines and Consequences:

Students must pay for lost or damaged books. If damages are minor, the fee may be smaller than the full cost. If damages severely curtail the use of the books for future readers, students may have to pay the entire price of the book so that a replacement may be ordered. Books that get wet are subject to growing mold unseen on the library shelves which may infect the entire library rapidly, so we strongly urge that students keep liquids away from all library books and protect their books from the rain. We cannot risk a mold infection throughout the library from one wet book. And mold may not grow immediately, so we do not risk putting the book back into the library. Sometimes mold grows slowly in the spine area and may take weeks to grow there because that is where the materials are thickest. Mold can cause severe reactions in students and staff with respiratory difficulties.

Paying Library Fines

We do not accept a replacement book instead of payment. Generally the price we pay for a book includes the processing materials like labels and covers and pockets. Altogether, the price we pay is usually cheaper than a donated book plus the cost of the processing materials.

Libraries cannot accept checks or credit/debit cards for fines. Please send cash only.

Important to Know:

Libraries do not hold report cards for library fines.

Students may be denied participation is school activities, such as games or dances, if they owe a library fine.

Students owing a library fine are not permitted to check out library materials until they pay their fines.

Fines travel from campus to campus until they are paid.

Seniors are not permitted to participate in graduation until their fines are paid.

Refunds:

Refunds are given if a lost/paid book is found before the final day of school for students. After the last day of school, the book fine money will be spent to order replacements. All refunds are handled via checks to parents/guardians. No cash refunds are given.

Students may track their own fines and materials:

Students may log in to http://destiny.springisd.org, select their campus, and log in with their school username and password. Under the My Info tab, they can see their library materials that are checked out and their fines if they have any.

Students may also download the Destiny Discover app to their phones or tablets and check their fines that way as well.

In elementary schools, the students may receive paper notices to take home in their weekly folders. However, in middle and high schools, students more likely will receive email notices in their school email accounts.