Lulu M. Ross Elementary School

Library Information and FAQ

Library Information and FAQs

        HOURS:
              The library media center at Ross is open from 7:45 – 3:30 (3:00 on Fridays). Hours can vary due to meetings or other responsibilities so students should always check before staying after school.  The library is open for book exchange all day except 11-11:30. Occassionally the library will close for a special class activity, the teachers will be notified when that occurs. All students also come to the library during one of their Expressive Arts Blocks(Specials).  During this visit students do not exchange books, but learn library and research skills. Students may exchange books at any other time.

Parents are welcome to use the library facility and are encouraged to join their children after school for assistance with special projects or book selection. There also is a special collection of materials for parents to borrow.
BORROWING MATERIALS: 
   Students borrow two Accelerated Reader books, in their assigned color, and may borrow a third item from the AR or "regular" collection.  All materials circulate for 10 school days and may be renewed if needed.  Students often borrow an additional book to read with their "reading club" and at times may borrow yet another book for a research project.
LIBRARY CHECK-OUTS:
   Students are responsible for the materials they borrow. All students have been told to find a "safe place" at their house to keep these items.   By always putting their school materials in one place they will not get lost. Materials that are lost, or damaged beyond use, will have to be paid for. The library staff, students, and families can work together to keep that from happening.
 
      BOOK CARE :
  Always put your books in your "safe place" when at home.
  Keep books away from moisture and heat sources.
  Keep books away from pets.
  Keep books away from small children.
  Don't eat/drink over your book.
  Use a bookmark to save your place.
  If something happens to damage your book, bring it to the library staff for repair.
  When borrowing materials with multiple parts, return all parts (book/cassette/bag, etc)
    
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:  
Q. What do I do if a book gets damaged while I have it?
A. Bring the book (and any pieces) to the library.  Hopefully, the library staff can repair the book.  If the book is damaged beyond use, you will have to pay for it.
Q. What do I do if I lose a library book?
A. If you cannot find your library book or other library material, do not panic.  Search everywhere at home and ask everyone at your house if they have seen the book.  Sometimes someone moves the book and they know right where it is.  If you cannot find the book at home check with your bus driver, your teacher, your daycare provider, and your friends.  Maybe one of them knows where the book is.  If no one can find the book, you will have to pay for it.  However, the good news is: if the book is found (by anyone) your money will be refunded.
If the book is expensive you can work out a payment schedule with Mrs. FitzPatrick.  Some students pay a quarter each day, or a dollar each week until the book is paid for.
Q. Can I use the library after school?
A. The library is open for use by students and parents after school.  The library staff is happy to help with research, book selection, and other activities as needed.  Please do check that the library will be open before staying after school, as sometimes there are meetings or events that cause us to close at the end of the school day.
 
COLLECTION:
        The Ross library has an ever-growing book collection of over 32,000 items, including Accelerated Reader books.  Our student collection also includes magazines, sets of books with cassette/cd (read-along), and a small video collection. Staff members have videos, dvds, book/cassettes, magazines, and other teacher resources available for their use. 
There are 16 networked student computers available for use.  These computers have access to our computer catalog (OPAC), Accelerated Reader quizzes, the UDLib Databases for Elementary Schools, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and the Internet.  There also are two non-networked computers that students can use to play learning games from cds. Students must follow school rules when using the library and its resources.
We also have a special PARENT COLLECTION of materials that may be borrowed from the library. 
 
PURCHASING BOOKS:
          Book selection is based on the curricular needs and interests of our students and staff.  Book reviews and recommendations are considered when making purchasing decisions.
Often students or parents are looking for a specific book.  If the book is not one presently owned by the Ross library, requests can be made for possible future purchase by telling Mrs. FitzPatrick.
Copies of books in the Ross Library Collection are not for sale.  However, if you are interested in purchasing a personal copy of a book, please go to a bookstore or an on-line bookseller. You will need to know the title and author of the book. Knowing the publisher and copyright date is also helpful. If the book is not in the store the employees can usually order a copy for you.