Circulation of Materials

All students select their own library books. All books are processed for a one-week circulation period. The last date on the card in the pocket is the date due.

Students taking books also take on the responsibility of library circulation. Caring for the book, keeping it in a safe place and telling the library staff if they notice damage to the book (tears, crayoning, pages missing, etc.) are all part of that responsibility.

Magazine Circulation

Magazines are an overnight material optional to grade three (beginning in October) and grade two (the second half of the year). They need special care and are circulated in a plastic folder. They are only for reading and cannot be marked or used (posters may not be removed, activity pages may not be completed).

Here are a few guidelines for each of the grade levels:

Kindergarten

Kindergarten students learn the library procedures. Starting with a limited selection, the students learn the way to “borrow” a book and the way to return that book and select another. After October, the selection expands to all of the Easy section as students learn how to select from shelves kept in alphabetical order.

First grade

First grade students review the library procedures introduced in Kindergarten. First grade students may select books from the Easy section and later in the year may choose from special shelves of non-fiction containing the easiest informational books. Any parent who wants more difficult informational material is encouraged to visit the library and sign out materials for their child. After the winter vacation, practice of the developing reading skills is so vital that at this time reading aloud should change from parent-to-child and become parent-to-child-to-parent on the child’s reading level.

Second grade

Second grade students may select books from the total library collection. Soon after school begins they may take two books at a time. Self-selection of materials that they can read is a priority. Students should now be reading to themselves for enjoyment and information. But having parents read aloud to them is still very important. Hearing the language patterns makes reading and using those language patterns so much easier as they progress into English and Language exercises. Also, as the books they choose are longer selections, please remember the books are due one week from check-out, as the date indicates on the card in the book pocket.  If more time is needed, the student must bring the book back into the library to “renew” that book for an additional week.

Third grade

After an orientation with the Librarian to review library procedures, third grade students may select books from the total library collection. Students may select two books but depending on classroom reading activities, students may have three or four books checked out at one time. Students should review the “renewal” procedure because this is used quite frequently in third grade. Also, third graders will be scheduled for lessons with the Librarian to introduce the library collection listed on the computer. They may find themselves participating in several reading enrichment activities.

Overdue Procedures

All books are signed out for seven days. The date stamped on the card in the book pocket is the date the book is due back into the library. Overdues are given to the classroom teachers after the book is overdue, and they remind the student to return the book.

After the book is at least one week overdue, a written reminder with the book title is given to the student in a sealed envelope. This envelope should be taken to the parent so everyone knows that a book is overdue and the name of the book involved.

Another written notice is issued when the book is at least two weeks overdue. A lost notice is issued, and a note is written asking the parent to write a note about the book.

When the book is returned or the parent has sent a note accepting financial responsibility, the child can (with parental agreement) begin taking other materials from the library.

The price of the missing book is sent home upon parent requests or after a certain amount of time has elapsed and the book has not been returned.

If a book that has been paid for is found and returned to the library, the money will be refunded.

Damaged Library Materials

If a book or magazine is damaged or destroyed, a note is sent to the parent listing the cost of the material. When it has been paid for, the parent is welcome to request the material involved.

Library Instruction

All K-3 students receive a structured library experience every other week for 30 minutes.  There is a curriculum and objectives, but the most important goal is to introduce the library and its books as wonderful, exciting possibilities.

Birthday Books Project

The “Birthday Books” program allows you as a parent to donate a book to the Cumru Library in honor of your child’s birthday (or half-birthday, if the birthdate falls during the summer vacation or in September or October). An invitation to participate is sent home in September, books are selected by the librarian, processed and presented to your child on their birthday or half-birthday with a bookplate acknowledging your child’s gift. The book circulates first with the birthday person, then becomes part of the library collection.