The school library and media center is an integral part of the total school program. It serves as an extension of the classroom. Books and instructional materials are selected to answer requests, to encourage the interests of the students and to enrich and supplement the SOL teaching curriculum.
Each K-5 classroom receives a weekly period of library instruction, as well as the opportunity to check out books. Students who are absent or forget their book on a “library day” are encouraged to exchange their library books in the morning of the next day they are in school. Other daily opportunities will also be provided to return and exchange books. Access to the books and materials in the library provides students with the opportunity to practice reading skills taught in the classroom.
The Plains library and media center also offers students and teachers the opportunity to experiment using the latest technological advances: multi-media computer programs, the Internet, etc. The library and media program also offers a totally computerized checkout system.
Authors, References, and reading links
Library FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
When I check out a book, when is it due back?
Books are due back at the library one week after they are checked out, but can be returned earlier. Books may also be renewed on or before their dur date.
When I check out something other than a book, when is it due back?
Items other than books, such as videos, cassette and book kits, and magazines, are due back to the library on the next school day after the date they are checked out.
How many books can be checked out at a time?
Pre-K and Kindergarten students are permitted only one book at a time. They are learning that a library is used to borrow books and that a book must be returned before another may be checked out. Whether they bring books home will be up to the classroom teacher.
First Grade students start checking out one book at the beginning of the year. By the second half of the year, they may be allowed a second item. The classroom teacher will determine if books will go home with the students.
Second through Fifth grade students may check out two books. If they are working on a project, with the classroom teacher's approval, they may check out up to four books.
I can't find a book, or other item, I checked out. What should I do?
Write a short note to the librarian and explain that you are looking for the item. This will allow your child to check out more books while you are looking, even it the item is overdue. The librarian will contact you at a later date if the item remains unreturned.
The item I checked out was damaged or lost. What should I do?
A partial replacement charge for the damaged/lost item will be placed on the student's library account. Once payments have begun, students may check out another book. If a paid for, lost item is returned, a full refund will be made to the person who paid for the book
Which magazines does the library have subscriptions to?
The library subscribes to the following children's magazines. Click to go to the magazine's web site.
| Cobblestone | |
My child came home without a library book today. Why?
There are several possible reasons:
-perhaps a classroom was busy today with a specific project and there was not sufficient time to go to the library.
-if your child comes home and says that he/she was not allowed to check out a book, perhaps he/she has an item overdue.
-occasionally children behave inapproapriately in the library. These students may be asked to sit in "Time-out" for a few minutes. If there is not time left over to check out a book, the student will have to come back another time.
The best way to find out why your child came home without a library book is to ask him/her. If your child comes home several dayswithout a library book, please call the school and ask for the library. The library staff will look up the student's files and explain the situation.
What can I do to help the Plains Elementary School library?
The library is always in need of volunteer help. We can adapt a routine to fit almost any schedule. Volunteers help by working at the circulation desk, preparing materials, checking shelves, and assisting students. Please call or stop by the school today and ask for the lifrarian for further information.
Why should I keep reading to my child while he/she is learning to read?
When children are learning to read, they can read only the simplest books. Your child's understanding of language far exceeds what they are able to read. Reading to your child is important because it improves language skills and develops and understandingof the worlk around them.