Last week in Media, all students were given the opportunity to explore the thousands of books available in our school library. Gr. 3 and new students learned how check out books and what our school’s Library Book Loan Policies are (see below).
We all read at different speeds and in different ways (one book at a time, a few books at a time, etc).
We believe that our policies honor these differences by giving students the opportunity to make their own independent book choices. Our policies also provide our teaching staff with flexibility to assign their students library books that support specific curriculum needs in a timely and accommodating way.
Library Cards
All Spofford students and staff are issued a library card and account.
Responsibility
Students are responsible for the books on their record and will determine when they no longer need a book within the 30-day loan period. Students with books on their records past the 30 day loan period will be instructed to return these books in a timely fashion.
Students are responsible for the books on their record and will determine when they no longer need a book within the 30-day loan period. Students with books on their records past the 30 day loan period will be instructed to return these books in a timely fashion.
Loan Periods
A month is the general rule of thumb for books that are being used for classroom studies and personal reading. Parents will be notified via a notice with information about any overdue student library books on their child’s account.
Holds
Should a book be requested by another patron, a hold will be placed on the book as well as a flag on the patron’s account. This will notify us that the book is being requested by another patron.
Returns
Students may return a book to the library at any time. They do not have to wait for their library media class day. The book drop boxes are located both inside and outside the library at the entrance.
Renewals
Books are to be returned to the library when the student no longer needs them within a 30 day loan period. The 30 day loan period is usually sufficient time for most students to read a book, thus eliminating the need for renewals. Exceptions are made for books required for classroom assignments.
Censorship Policy
We believe that giving students independent selection of library books fosters the student’s confidence in his or her own curiosity and interests. Therefore we do not censor, or direct, their selections.
If a parent or guardian objects to a book that their child has checked out from the library, they are encouraged to have the student return the book in the Book Drop Box the next school day and to check out a more suitable book.
There are district policies and procedures in place for book and/or material challenges. Parents should please contact the library and/or the principal’s office with any major issues or concerns about library books.