Welcome to the UES School Library Media Center!

Our school library houses a rich collection of books and other materials for students, staff, and parents. It is a busy place where children come to check out materials, listen to stories, research topics, and learn about the library through fun activities. The library is open from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. each school day, although it may be closed when the librarian is in a meeting or at lunch. Students may check out books and magazines during library class or at other times during the day. Students may also reserve books that we don't have from other libraries around the state. There are three OPAC computers dedicated to locating items in our own collection. These computers can even report if an item is checked out and, if so, when it is due back! Three additional computers are also available for student research. Our library houses a collection of approximately 10,000 books and magazines. We also have over 300 curriculum-related videos for teachers. In addition to the fiction, nonfiction, and picture book sections, there are many special collections in the library:

Special Collections The New Reader Books, housed in a bookcase in the picture book area, is a group of color-coded paperbacks that are "leveled books", similar to those used in the classroom to teach decoding. The Books by Kids shelf in the fiction has prize-winning books written and illustrated by children. A small Parent Collection has informational books on parenting and special needs children. Our nonfiction collection includes a section of books written in Croatian, Spanish, French, and other languages. A display features Vermont's Dorothy Canfield Fisher (DCF) Book Award collection. Recommended for fourth through eighth grade readers, these thirty books are some of the best books published in the previous year and are popular fifth grade reading, especially for book reports. Students who read at least three of "this year's" books can vote in the spring for their favorite, and may be chosen to attend a special DCF event. A small collection of books on tape is available for a wide range of books. The library picture book section has bins for Vermont's Red Clover Award books, I Can Read books, board books, and Caldecott Award winners. A large blue book cart houses books in favorite genres to help students meet Vermont reading standards. Finally, a professional collection has books on teaching and special materials.

Questions and Answers About the Library

How many books or magazines may be checked out at any one time?

Because our goal is to build responsibility and proper book care, we begin kindergarten students with one item at a time. First and second graders may take two at a time. Third graders usually have two, but are allowed more for book reports or research. Fourth and fifth graders may take three at a time, or more for special projects. Parents may also check out books. As long as students return their books, they may visit the library and check out items whenever they can. In other words, they do not have to wait until their next library class to borrow books.

For how long are books checked out?

Books are checked out for two weeks, although most students return at least one item each week so that they can check out something new each library class. Books for book reports are usually out for a month. Students can renew books they are reading, unless someone else has a reserve on their book.

What happens if students don't return items by the due date stamped on the book?

As a reminder, computerized overdue notices are given weekly to classroom teachers to pass out. Students can share these slips with parents to help in returning items promptly. If there are questions, parents can call the librarian at 225-8211.

Is there a fine for overdue books?

No, but if a book is long overdue or damaged, guardians are sent a bill for the replacement cost. Most books are eventually found, to the relief of all involved!

What does your library media specialist do?

Some of my responsibilities are teaching classes, preparing a budget, ordering videos, books, and media equipment, helping students with research, and working closely with teachers to gather materials for classroom collections. I also maintain media equipment, serve on committees, attend conferences and workshops, prepare workshops for teachers, and order books from other libraries for students and staff.
One of my favorite things to do is to recommend books to students, so at home I try to read as many chapter books as I can. When students say, "I don't know what to read next," I hope to give them some good choices so that they'll come back for more!

How can I tell a school library book from one borrowed from another library?

Our barcodes are right on the front cover! (But we do exchange mix-ups.)

How can parents help?

Parents can help in many ways:

• If you are able to donate an hour a week to shelve books or work on other projects, your time will be greatly appreciated. Please see the librarian to arrange a day and time convenient to you.
• You can help your child remember his or her library books by posting "Library Book Day" of the week and designating a place in the house to keep materials.
• Help keep books away from pets, younger siblings, and moisture, the most common cause of damage. For safe-keeping on route, books can be transported in plastic bags inside of backpacks.
• Families can donate new or slightly used books to the library, with the librarian reserving the right to decide on what is most needed in the collection.
• The most important thing is to read every day with your child. This rewards both the reader and the listener!