Our Mission: The Walnut Creek School District libraries seek to empower students and staff by providing access to literature and information in all formats, developing in them a lifelong love of reading and learning along with the critical thinking skills needed to participate successfully in a global society.
What we do…
Provide a place where all who enter feel welcome and safe.
Allow students to choose reading materials that both interest and excite them without judgment regardless of their reading level.
Give everyone access to materials needed to support learning and/or teaching of curriculum.
Teach students to be good digital citizens and to use technology and information ethically.
Create 21st Century learners, critical thinkers and citizens ready to contribute meaningfully to the global society.
The Walnut Creek School District Libraries are a nurturing and motivating environment where the school community can grow and develop a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Who is our librarian?
Stacy Scanlon has been the library media specialist here at Indian Valley since 2012. Prior to IV, she spent a year as a long-term sub in the library at Murwood. And before that she worked at the downtown Walnut Creek library in both the interim facility and then in the new building. She graduated with a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Vermont. She taught kindergarten, 3rd grade and 5th grade before she and her family moved to California in 2006. After volunteering in the library with her daughter's class at Parkmead she decided the school library was where she truly belonged. She loves her job and considers spending time with her students the best part.
What are the hours of the Indian Valley Library?
We are generally open from 8:00am to 3:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Our Wednesday. hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. These hours are subject to change in the event of shortened days, meetings, etc.
When do students visit the library with their classes?
Classes visit the library once a week for 30 to 45 minutes depending on grade level.
When can students visit outside of their allotted class time?
Students are welcome to come in during their recesses, before or after school and during class time with teacher permission and if there is not a class currently attending the library.
How many books can be checked out at one time and for how long?
Kindergarten and First Grade: One book for one week
*After the winter break First grade may check-out 2 books for one week
Second and Third Grade: Two books for two weeks
*After the winter break Third grade may check-out 3 books for two weeks
Fourth and Fifth Grades: Three books for two weeks
Are there other circulation rules?
Encyclopedias and some other reference materials are not available for circulation due to replacement cost and size.
Due to popularity and availability, students may check out only one graphic novel at a time.
Similarly, students may only check out one book in a series at a time.
Can students check out any books they want?
While we always encourage students to check out books that fit with their reading comfort level, we very much encourage the freedom to choose. There is still much to be gained from an older student returning to a well-loved picture book or a younger student picking a more difficult non-fiction book. Studies show that when we take great interest in something we are more likely to find ways to understand it better. Also, we often find that students find the sweet spot of books after a visit or two.
Are there fines for over-due books?
There are no fines for over-due books. A kindergarten or first grade student may not check out another book until their book is returned. An upper grade student may check out up to three books even if they have one over-due, however they may not exceed two or three books out total depending on the grade.
How will I be alerted if a book is over-due?
Orange slips will be sent home with your student if a book is more than two weeks over-due. You may also receive a personalized e- mail from your student’s teacher or from the librarian.
What should I do if a book has been damaged?
We know accidents happen and always encourage students to let us know if something has happened to their book as soon as possible. We ask that you do not try to fix a book yourself. We have tape, glues, and other materials designed for repairing books. Depending on the extent of the damage there may be a charge. If the book cannot be repaired and returned to circulation a replacement fee will be charged (see next question)
What if a book is completely lost?
We wait at least two weeks before declaring a book lost. If a book is lost, the Walnut Creek School District policy is as follows: $20 for hardcover books or the actual cost of the book if more than $20. $10 for paperback books or the actual cost of the book if more than $10. The reason for this is that we don't typically buy our books from mainstream retailers like Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. We buy our books from companies that sell books meant to be used in libraries. These books have reinforced spines, covers and stronger grade paper which results in a higher cost. The fee also covers the supplies and time it takes to process a book and prepare it for circulation. If circumstances prevent one from paying these fees then we ask that they contact the librarian directly to work out a compromise.
Have a question we didn't answer? Email us:
sscanlon@walnutcreeksd.org