Our goals are to provide a quality collection of library materials for circulation. We hope to instill a love of reading and an appreciation of books. And of course we want to teach responsibility in the care and return of books.

The Erwin library contains over 11,000 books, videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs and cassettes. We have an online catalog accessible from the library or classrooms. The Destiny library automation system allows computerized circulation, reporting and other functions.

Parents are welcome to check out books for their children. The library also welcomes students who wish to do homework or research in the library when classes are not scheduled.

ERWIN STREET LIBRARY
MRS. DOSAJ - LIBRARIAN

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 11:00am. I'm available during recess and before school. Please let me know if you have special needs.

Who may borrow books: Students, parents and staff of Erwin Street School with signed permission slips on file. Parents should sign the permission slips the first week of school and return them to teachers. Books may then be taken home.

Visiting the Library: Teachers may sign up for library visits in the workroom. I usually give a short lesson before students check out books. Students, parents and staff may also visit whenever I am available and do not have a class scheduled. Note - Student visits should not be a substitute for class visits. These students do not benefit from ‘library lessons.'

Length of loan: Books, magazines and media are due in two weeks. Reference materials are to be used in the library. Please contact me if you need to borrow a reference item for the day.

How many items may be borrowed: One per pupil (or one book plus one magazine/video/DVD), five per parent. Teachers may arrange classroom library loans of up to 20 or 30 items.

Renewal policy: Return borrowed materials to library to renew for an additional two weeks. Note - If another patron wishes to borrow a library book you've checked out, please return the book to the library first so our records can be updated.

Returning Books: Library aide and trained student assistants only will return books to shelves. Return library materials to library, or place in library box in workroom. Please leave a note if I'm unavailable.

Lost or damaged books: Borrower must pay for replacement and may have library privileges restricted - i.e. may not be able to take library books home. Also, no materials may be checked out until payment is made. Installment plans can be arranged. A new, replacement book may also be accepted in lieu of cash payment. Per district policy, school records/diplomas may be withheld until restitution is made.

Late books: Please encourage students to return books promptly so others can enjoy them. Use reminder notes or phone calls if necessary.

Services: Let me know if you have special requests or need certain books for a thematic unit. I can reserve a book for you or deliver to your classroom. I may also have materials in my personal (home) library that you may borrow. In addition, I have various library and book-related lessons planned. Let me know if you would like me to cover specific topics.

Educational Games: These are available for use in the library before school, or during recess. Students must clean up the games and return them to the shelf after use. I will also restrict their use should any be damaged or stolen. They are not to be used during class visits.

Erwin Street Elementary School
Faculty Library Policies

Borrowing quantity and period

• Teachers may borrow up to 5 books for a 2-week renewable period.
• Teachers may borrow 20-30 books (depending on class size) to stock temporary, renewable classroom libraries for up to 4 weeks.
• Books may need to be returned earlier than the 4-week period if requests have been placed by other borrowers.

Borrowing policies for classroom libraries

• Books may be checked out, displayed, and returned in designated library bins or boxes.
• The teacher's name, room number, and book count may be placed on the outside of the bin or box.
• Holiday books and resources may not be borrowed for classroom libraries prior to that holiday. However, teachers may borrow holiday-related resources for one day, to ensure that all library patrons have access to these materials.
• We ask teachers not to deplete books on a single subject to ensure that other borrowers also have access to books on that subject.
• Students are encouraged to borrow books from the school library, rather than the classroom library.
• Teachers are encouraged to sign up for library visits. Classroom libraries should not be a substitute for visiting the school library.

Lost and damaged books

• Staff members are financially responsible for the replacement of library materials (that they have checked out) that have been lost or damaged.
• Note- Written library procedures are available in the library.