St. Mary's Catholic School, Temple, Texas
Library Procedures and General Information for Students
Library Hours are M - F, 7:45 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Students in grades 3 - 8 may check out two books simultaneously.
Students in grades 1 - 2 are limited to one book at a time. If the student must have more than the allowed number of books, special arrangements can be made with the Library Manager.
All books are checked out for two weeks. They must be returned on or before the due date to avoid incurring a fine of $.10 / day. Students may re-check their books for another two weeks if needed.
The Library Manager will notify the student and the teacher if a book is overdue. Parents will also be notified after some time to limit the fine amount.
If the student cannot return the book (lost, stolen, or damaged), the family will be charged a standard replacement fee of $20.00. The fines incurred to that date will also be assessed.
To check out a book, Bring your selection to the counter. The Library Manager will assist you with signing the book card and stamping the date-due slip in the book.
If the Library Manager is not available, use this procedure:
Take the book card out of your book.
Sign your name and stamp the card with the Date Due stamp.
Place the card in the little red bucket on the counter.
DO NOT PUT THE BOOK CARD BACK IN YOUR BOOK!
Stamp the date-due slip in your book. This will remind you of the
date to return your book to the Library.
The Date Due stamp has been set 2 weeks forward- the date your
book is due, not the current date. Please don't change the stamp!!
To return a book, Drop it into the book-drop slot in the door or leave it on top of the counter. Please do not reshelve any books on the bookshelves!! If your book is overdue, please pay your fine when you return it. Remember that your fine continues to increase until your book is returned! If you lose your book, talk to the Library Manager to arrange to replace it or pay the fine.
Online Card Catalog: You may search for a book in the Library using our electronic card catalog. As long as the Library Manager is present, you may log onto one of the student computers to access our Researcher program. This program can be accessed on any computer in the school and can be used with your teacher's permission.
Reference Materials: Dictionaries and encyclopedias are not available for regular check-out. Students can only use them in the library area.
Other things to remember: The smaller Elementary Library contains books for grades 1 - 4. The bigger Junior High library is primarily used by grades 4 - 8. The 'Series' section in the Junior High library is often appropriate for elementary students. The Library Manager may stop you from checking out a book inappropriate for your grade level.
The Library is a quiet workplace --- do not talk loudly or excessively. Library time is not play time -- you may be asked to leave if you cannot follow these rules.
Library Policy and Procedures
1. Each elementary grade is given one day/week to come into the Library as a class. This time may be used for a particular class project or reading time. Kindergarten students will have Storytime once per week.
If you are planning a project (research, genres, group reading) and need books and information pulled from the shelves, please notify me a few days in advance, and I will follow up. The more specific your needs are, the better I can do my job.
2. Teachers will be present with their class during this time. It makes it a much more
productive time for them when at least two adults are present to answer questions and facilitate the activities. At the beginning of the year, I will go over the basics of the Library so that teachers and students can become more familiar with the setup.
3. During scheduled library time, the Library will be closed to students other than the assigned class. This will reduce interruptions and distractions.
4. All students can come to the Library during the day with their teacher's permission. They may check out more than one book per week. Grades 5-8 can check out two books at a time. Grades 1-4 may check out only one book at a time. Kinder students do not check out books.
5. SMCS uses Alexandria's online cataloging system. You can access the card catalog from your computer during school hours by typing 10.36.1.110:80 into your browser. This will allow you to search for titles on DVD, VHS, and Audiobooks.
6. The Library has two student computers for research or homework assignments. A staff member MUST be present when a student is using the computer! There are no exceptions. Ten iPad minis are available for student and staff use. They may be signed out through the Library.
7. The Library will open daily at 7:45 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m.. The doors will be locked when I am out for an extended period. Otherwise, come and browse!