Highland Goffe's Falls Elementary School's Library Media Center is an instructional extension of our classrooms. The materials that are available in the Library Media Center are chosen to support state standards, enrich the curriculum, and provide knowledge, growth, and recreational enjoyment for our students.

Students are given the opportunity to select any books that they find interesting. At the same time, students are encouraged to choose books that are at or near their reading level. By self-selecting books, students increase their motivation to read while exploring a variety of texts, subjects, and genres.

Students typically borrow one library book for a one week period. However, students who are working on a research project may borrow a second book during that time. Students are allowed to renew their books up to five consecutive weeks.

Readiness students typically keep their library books in their classrooms, and first grade students typically bring library books home after January 1st. Students in second, third, fourth, and fifth grades may bring library books home after the first week of classes.

Borrowing materials from the Library Media Center carries with it a responsibility on the part of the student. Library books are school property, and our library book budget is extremely limited. Therefore, students are expected to provide proper care for borrowed library books, and return these books on time and in good condition. If a student does not return his or her library book on the due date, then that student is not allowed to borrow another book until the overdue book is returned to our Library Media Center. A verbal overdue notice will be given to a student if his or her library book is less than two weeks overdue. A written overdue notice will be given to the student if his or her library book is more than two weeks overdue.

If a library book is borrowed and then lost by a student, then the student is required to pay for the replacement cost of the borrowed book. If the lost book is found, the amount that was paid will be refunded to the student's family.

If a student returns a library book in damaged condition, then the student is responsible for paying the replacement cost for the damaged book.

In the case of a lost or damaged book, the student is not allowed to borrow another book from the Library Media Center until the replacement cost of the lost or damaged book is paid in full.

The school principal is notified of any borrowed library materials that are long overdue or need to be paid for.

If a student has not returned or provided the replacement cost of an overdue or damaged book, then the child's end of the year report card may be withheld until restitution is made. The obligation to return or pay for the lost or damaged book will be carried forward to the following school year until the obligation is met.

The assistance of parents and care givers is greatly appreciated in helping us develop good reading and book borrowing habits with our students. Developing reading skills as well as an appreciation of our library media center will become much more significant to our students when parents and care givers are part of this experience.

Questions regarding our library media center's borrowing policy can be addressed to our Library Media Specialist, Assistant Principal, or School Principal.