FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's Library class?
A: Times have changed since we adults used school libraries, and our curriculum today reflects the needs of today's information rich era. We still read and talk about books, but we also use laptops and iPads to learn important research skills. I reinforce classroom curriculum through the use of the National Educational Technology Standards. The kids love to learn this way, and I love it, too.
Q: How many books can kids checkout?
A: Students may borrow the same number of books as their grade per week.
- Young 5's-1st Grade: 1 item
- 2nd Grade: 2 items
- 3rd Grade: 3 items
- 4th Grade: 4 items
- 5th Grade: 5 items (parent permission for YA books 5th grade only)
- 6th Grade: 6 items, including YA books
- 7th Grade: 7 items, including YA books
- 8th Grade: 8 items, including YA books
Young 5's & Kindergarten students will begin checking out books once we have gone over book care, generally the 2nd or 3rd week of school.
Young Adult (YA) books are those intended for a more mature audience, and thus are reserved for students in Grade 6+. Parents may grant permission for students in 5th grade to check out YA books. To do so send an email to Ms. Darling with the name of your student, their homeroom teacher's name and a statement verifying they have your permission to check out YA books.
If students have overdue books, they will be invited to select an item from the "reminder" book shelf. Please return these books along with overdue books.
Parents are welcome to check out library materials. Stop by to get a library card!
Q: When are books due?
A: Books are due back on your student's library day. Materials are checked out weekly and can be renewed as many times as needed, or until someone else has requested the book (or it's time to return books for the school year).
Q: What is the best way to keep track of school library books?
A: Please help your student find a safe place to keep books when they are not reading them. A good place to keep books is in a backpack, so they are always at school when you need to return them.
Please help your child remember to return the books on their designated library day (or sooner). Borrowed items may be returned any day in the Book Return slot in the front of the circulation desk, just inside the Media Center door. If the library is closed, books may be returned to the office.
Q: Are fines charged for overdue books?
A: No, fines are not charged. However, students may be asked to select books from the "reminder" shelf if they have overdue books at home.
Q: What if a library book gets destroyed or really, really lost?
A:We ask that you pay for a replacement for items that are lost or damaged. You will receive a notice with the cost listed. We accept cash or check made out to A2 STEAM @ Northside. If a lost item is returned before the end of the current school year, a full refund will be issued.
Q: What if I don't like the books my child is choosing?
A: Parents occasionally express concern that their children are choosing books that are too hard (or easy) and ask how to steer their kids to books with an appropriate reading level. Some parents worry that their children always read the same author or series, or do not strive for much variety in their reading. Please read our Student Book Choice Policy to find out how these issues are addressed.
Q: What is the MOST important thing about visiting our Library?
A: That kids learn to LOVE LOVE reading. Unlike the classroom, freedom of choice is the rule in the library. We will talk about "just right" books a lot, but research shows that once we hook a reader in the early years they'll end up reading great stuff as they mature. It works, I promise.