How many books may my child sign out?

Pre-K students do not borrow books from the library.

K-2nd grade students may sign out one book.

3rd-5th grade students may sign out two books.
Some students are involved in special classroom projects, such as research reports or kindergarten buddy projects, and may take out more than their usual limit.

When may my child return a library book?
Each class has a library period once a week. Students may return books and sign out new books at this time.
In addition to this, students may  come to the library to return/checkout books at any time during school hours -- as long as their classroom teacher has given permission.

Every day is library day!

Is it possible for my child to renew a book? How long may he/she keep it?

Students may renew books from the library at any time. The student must bring the book to the library to be renewed.

K-2nd grade students may keep the book one week from the renewal date.

3-5th grade students may keep the book two weeks from the renewal date.

The library does not own the book my child wants.  What can the library do to get the book?

If a student desires a specific book that our library does not own, we will request it through the interlibrary loan system.  The book will come from another school library or from a public library.

There's an excellent chance that we will purchase requested books for the Tamarac Elementary Library.  Just ask!

The book my child wants is currently checked out by another student.  What can he/she do?

Should this situation occur, your child may place a hold on this book. When the book is returned to the library, your child will be notified that the book is waiting for him/her to check out.  Fourth and fifth graders have learned how to request books through the online catalog and can make the requests from home computers as well as from school computers. 

We will help the younger students place their requests.

My child has brought home a book that is too easy or too hard.  What happened?

The library includes books that range in reading level from preschool to middle school. 
Too hard:

Occasionally children are attracted to books that are above their reading level.  We have seen many readers at a first or second grade level bring a hefty Harry Potter volume or an advanced book about World War II to the desk.  We will do our best to steer young borrowers to books that they can read independently.  Please keep in mind, however, that the library collection offers children the opportunity to challenge themselves beyond their reading ability.

►They may be attracted to a particular subject.  (Many primary students have a fascination with World War II or "thick books." 

►Sometimes students borrow books from the library that are above their reading level with the intent of having someone read it aloud to them.

►Sometimes students are more focused on the illustrations in the book than on the words.
 

Too easy:

►Sometimes students borrow books below their reading level because they intend to read the with someone below their level.

►It's wonderful to read an old and easy favorite.  

My child has lost a book, what should he/she do?

Keep looking for it! Often books are not lost but merely misplaced.  Look under the bed, under the couch, between the bed and the wall, in the car, on the bookshelves at home.  If you and your child are convinced that the book truly is missing please contact Mrs. Toomajian or Mrs. Gilchrist so your child may borrow books.  If the book is truly gone, we will send you a bill for the replacement cost.

My child's library book has a tear in it, what should I do?

Please return the damaged book to the library.  Often small tears, missing pages and other book maladies are easily fixable with special tools and material that we have in the library.

PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO FIX IT YOURSELF.

My child's library book has gotten wet, what should I do?

We know that accidents may happen.

Please return the damaged book to the library. Depending on the extent of the damage, the book may need to be repaired, replaced or discarded.
Beverage spills, lunchbox leaks and overnights in the wet grass/snow can ruin a book.  Please encourage your children to keep their library books in a dry place.

My child's library book has been scribbled/colored/ written in, what should I do?

Accidents happen!

Please return the book to the library. Depending on the type and extent of the markings, the book may need to be repaired, replaced or discarded.

My child's library book has been damaged by an animal.

Sometimes puppies need to chew.

Please return the book to the library. Depending on the extent and type of damage, the book may need to be repaired, replaced or discarded.

Please encourage your children to keep their books safe from pets.

Return to:

Tamarac Elementary School
3992 NY  2, Troy, NY 12180