Lower School Library

Lower School Library Lending Guidelines

The number of materials students may borrow during their scheduled library visits varies by grade level:

• Early Years (Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten): Up to 2 books
• Grades 1–2: Up to 3 English books and 1 Portuguese book
• Grades 3–5: Up to 4 English books and 1 Portuguese book

Additional guidelines include:

• Students may check out one additional Portuguese book during their Portuguese class.
• All materials must be checked out at the circulation desk before leaving the library.
• Students may borrow up to 2 books from the same series at a time.
• Students in Grades 1–5 may borrow materials for two weeks. Students in the Early Years Program may borrow materials for one 8-day cycle.
• Materials may be renewed on or before the due date unless another patron has placed a hold on the item.
• Students with overdue materials may not borrow additional items until those materials have been returned.
• Overdue notices are emailed to parents weekly.
• For students in the Early Years Program, books may be reserved overnight for checkout the following day once overdue materials have been returned.
• Students in Grades 3–5 may place holds on books that are currently checked out. Holds may not be placed on books that are already available on the library shelves.
• Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of any lost or damaged materials.
• At the end of the first semester, materials overdue for more than 2 months will be considered lost. If the issue is not resolved beforehand, the replacement cost will be added to the family’s next tuition statement.
• At the end of the school year, all students must clear their library accounts. Families will be notified of outstanding accounts by email, letter, and/or phone.
• If a replacement fee has been paid for a lost item and the item is subsequently found and returned to the library in good condition during the same academic school year, the replacement fee will be refunded.

The library is a welcoming and safe space to learn, discover, explore, imagine, investigate, access information, collaborate, browse magazines, and read for pleasure. To ensure it remains an inviting environment for everyone, please observe the following expectations:

• Students and parents are welcome to visit the library before and after school to return and borrow materials.
• Please speak quietly and walk while in the library. Students wishing to socialize more actively or run and play should use the playground.
• The treehouse may accommodate a maximum of 10 Early Years students or 5 students in Grades 1–5 at one time.
• Students are expected to listen to and follow the directions of all library staff.
• Library iPads are intended for browsing the library catalog and accessing library resources only. Settings and configurations should not be changed.
• Students may use board games and LEGO® before and after school and during designated recess periods. All games and materials should be neatly organized and returned after use.
• Please help keep the collection organized by returning any books you browse to the Mario Kart trolley rather than placing them back on the shelves.
• Food and drinks should be consumed outside the library.
• Please help keep our library clean, organized, and welcoming by treating the space, furniture, and resources with care and respect.
• Students who do not follow these expectations may lose the privilege of using the library and may be asked to return to the playground.