What are the hours of the Parkmead Library?

We are generally open from 7:50 to 2:45 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Our Wednesday hours are 8:40-2:45. These hours are subject to change in the event of shortened days, meetings, etc.

Who is the librarian?

Megan Westcoat is the library media teacher. She taught middle school, mainly 7th and 8th grade CORE and English for 12 years, and holds a multiple subject California teaching credential. She also has a California Teacher Librarian Credential and a Master’s Degree in Library & Information Science. She is in her fifth year as the Parkmead Librarian and also happens to be a current Parkmead parent. She can be reached at mwestcoat@walnutcreeksd.org

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

Second Grade: Two books for one week

Third-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 or by a particular author 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.

What should I do if a book has been damaged?

We know accidents happen and always encourage students to let us know when something has gone awry with their book. Earlier is always better! We have tools, like specialty tape, glues and binders so please don’t try to fix books at home. If a book can’t be repaired you may incur a small fee or a replacement fee if the book can’t be put back into circulation.

How will I be alerted if a book is over-due?

You may be made aware of an over-due book in multiple ways. Bright pink slips will be sent home with your student if a book is more than two weeks over-due. It will name the book and other details. You may also receive a personalized e-mail from your student’s teacher or from the librarian. While this might seem to be a rather simplistic approach, we find that rarely does a student forget their book more than once in a row, and the inability to check out usually prompts them to remember to return their books all on their own.

What if a book is completely lost?

In general, we don’t like to make any moves toward replacement until a week or more has passed as we find most library books turn up. If it is truly gone, a family can choose one of two routes. The replacement cost can be paid either by exact cash or a check made out to the Walnut Creek School District. Unfortunately we do not take credit cards at this time. Alternatively, families can opt to purchase a replacement book. If going with this option, it must be the exact book and exact format. For example, a hardback book must be replaced with a hardback book.

What are the approximate replacement costs for books?

One might expect to pay $10 for paperbacks, $15 for the plasticized-type covers (like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dogman) and $20 for hardbacks. The larger non-fiction books can run upwards, sometimes reaching $35. You may notice that the replacement cost is different than perhaps what you will find on Amazon. The price difference reflects labor, covering supplies, processing and other associated steps, as well as the price at the time of purchase, which can sometimes be higher initially, with the price dropping over time. As always, if you have a concern or the replacement of a book is a burden to the household, please reach out to the librarian. Our goal is always to put the reader first.

Did we forget something? Email us:

mwestcoat@walnutcreeksd.org