Northwood Elementary Library

This is going to be the BEST YEAR EVER!

This newsletter is to familiarize families with the library procedures and expectations.

In the library we will be focusing on becoming lifelong readers, learning how to use technology to share what we know, and developing research skills to build knowledge.

Students are able to have two books at a time checked out. We do have open library periods throughout the week so students may bring back a book they have finished reading at any time during the week and get a new one. If students forget to bring their book back on library day or they are still reading it, they may renew it. When they do bring it back, they are welcome to check out a new book. They will always be able to use SORA, our ebook platform, to check out more books.

All students are welcome to renew their book as many times as they need to as long as no one else is waiting for it.

I will periodically send notices home when students have overdue books so please check their backpacks for them.

If something happens to your library book at home, please let me know about it. I promise I will not be mad! I can either try to fix it or order a replacement copy. If your family is able to purchase a replacement copy, that would be wonderful. If not, I understand.

Yes! We have a wonderful selection of eBooks available on SORA! Students can log into SORA using their school email address. Once they are logged in and they connect their account, they will also have access to the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library children's eBooks. If students are unable to check out library books during their scheduled library time because they forgot to bring their previous books back, they will always have the option to check out books on SORA. Books checked out this way are an addition to the physical library collection. Please check their Library Google Classroom for videos showing how to login and connect to the public library so you and your child can access this wonderful resource at home. Books can be read on their chromebooks and any tablet that can connect to an e-reader app. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me and I will be happy to help you set up their account.

Please consider checking in occasionally with their Library Google Classroom. Sometimes I post family read alouds, First Chapter Fridays, cool things I find about authors and new books, virtual displays, and extra activities. I am will keep a running list of the books I use for read-aloud lessons so you can see what they are up to in library and if they really loved a particular book and want to check it out from the public library or purchase it for their home collection you will know where to find out what I have read. Those lists are also available here.

Just like in every other classroom students should follow the Northwood code and be safe, kind and ready to learn in the library. If a student is having trouble in one of these areas we will have a private conversation about their choices and an "Oops" note will be sent home. If I need additional support from you at home I will reach out via email or by phone. If you have any concerns or questions please feel free to call or email me as well.