LRC Weekly Update

Richmond’s new Little Free Library (LFL) is officially open for readers! Built and installed over the summer thanks to the generous support of the Hogan Family, STC Learn and Derek Hartmann, this cozy book-swap spot is packed with stories waiting to be discovered.

• Before-School Browsing: Students can explore the library and pick out a new book in the mornings while waiting for the school doors to open.

• Outdoor Reading Breaks: Teachers and classes are encouraged to take a quick walking break outside to drop off a finished book or fetch a new favorite.

Take a book, share a book, and stop by the LFL to keep our school community reading all year long!

As we settle into the new school year, I would love to team up with you to make your library visits as meaningful and impactful as possible. We are inviting each team to include the librarian in one PLC meeting per month so we can co-plan and align media resources, research skills, and read-alouds with your upcoming curriculum. Please reach out with your team's meeting times so I can stop by!

Tail-waggins and page-turners are coming to Richmond! We are thrilled to welcome Finn and Tiffany, our dynamic duo of therapy dogs, and their handlers Laura and Laurie for special once-monthly school visits. Here is how your students can get involved:

• Class Paw Rewards: Two lucky classes will have the opportunity to pool their tiger paw reward to purchase an exclusive whole-class visit with Finn or Tiffany.

• Read-to-a-Dog Time: Students can individually use their tiger bucks to purchase one-on-one time reading to their favorite furry friend.

• "Read to Me" Program: Select students will be invited to participate in a recurring "Read to Me" program, designed to boost reading confidence and academic growth alongside a patient pup.

A sign-up sheet will be available in early September for students and classes to meet with Finn or Tiffany!

Book Return Process:

As students enter the library, they will individually place their library books directly on the circulation desk and walk to their carpet spots. To keep things running smoothly, we ask each teacher to assign two students as "Library Helpers." This role can rotate as you see fit. These helpers will check in the class’s returned books at the beginning of library time and place books on the return cart with Mrs. Perkins.

• Renewals: If a student wants to renew a book, they don't put it in the bin—they will take it to the self-checkout computer, select their profile, and tap "Renew."

Book Return & Checkout Periods:

• Standard Books: Checked out for 1 week at a time and may be renewed up to 3 times.

• Audio/Visual (A/V) Books: Checked out for 24 hours and may also be renewed up to 3 times. Students are encouraged to drop off or renew their A/V books at the library as soon as they walk into school the next morning!

• Overdue & Replacement Policy: District 303 does not charge overdue fees or fines. If a book becomes lost, we will reach out to families asking for a book replacement. Replacing lost books is optional for families, but it is always greatly appreciated to help keep our library collection complete.

Staff Checkout: Staff members are always welcome to check out materials! Staff checkout works the exact same way as student self-checkout: at the screen, classroom teachers will find their names listed under their own homeroom, and all other staff members can find their names under the dedicated "Staff" homeroom.

Teachers, please copy and paste the blurb below into your upcoming classroom newsletter to help spread the word to our Richmond families!

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Explore Our New LRC Website for Families! 📚✨

We are thrilled to share our brand-new Richmond LRC Family Website! Designed as a digital hub for our school community, this page makes it easy to stay connected with everything happening in our library.

By visiting our site, families can:

• Explore Digital Resources: Access online databases, e-books, and research tools for home learning.

• Stay Updated: See current library programming, read-aloud highlights, and special LRC events.

• Discover Reading Recommendations: Find curated book lists for every reading level to keep your students inspired.

Check out the site with your student today: Richmond LRC Family Webpage!