Learn About Our Library
To build up a library is to create a life. It’s never just a random collection of books
~Carlos Maria Cominguez
The Library Catalog is available for viewing any time by clicking here.
This link will also enable you to view the books that your student(s) currently have checked out, fines, reserves, and let you know what is new in the library. Don't miss the option to make suggestions in the top right corner. For younger students, try a catalog option designed specifically for them by clicking here.
Hours of Operation
Our library is open in accordance with the school calendar from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm.
Library Objectives
To provide library books in order to:
• Supplement the classroom curriculum
• Encourage students to discover the advantages and joys of reading
• Are current, well-organized, and easily accessible
• Encourage students to practice and improve in their reading abilities
• Present a curriculum-related program centered on library instruction and use
• Promote responsible library citizenship with an emphasis in the proper care of materials and respect for the rights of others
Book Care
All books are the property of Holy Spirit Catholic School.
It is important that all materials are cared for in order to ensure they are available for the years to come:
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Keep books in a safe place, away from any foods, liquids, or pets
- Do not peel or remove and labels or covers from books
- Use a bookmark instead of folding down pages
Lost or Damaged Books
It is the responsibility of the students and subsequently their parents to replace and/or pay for any lost or damaged books.
Library Procedures:
Collection Development
The Collection Development Procedures for the school library of Holy Spirit are established in accordance with the mission of the school. Materials are collected with the needs and wants of the school community in mind while maintaining a higher education standard and expectation. Materials for all ages are acquired and sought, however there still must be a mindfulness that this is a Catholic school in which the library is shared by many age groups.
Donations and Gifts
The procedures for donations to the Holy Spirit School Library are specified through the Collection Development Policy. Once an item is donated, it is the property of Holy Spirit School Library and is to be left to the librarian’s discretion on whether and in which ways the donations will be implemented.
Material Weeding
Books and resources are weeded within the library based on several standards, including multiple copies, inappropriate material, damage, or a lack of interest in circulation and/or curriculum. When items are selected to be weeded, they are placed in a location for students to have access to claiming them for a period of two weeks, and then they are donated to local charities.
Circulation
Students are permitted to check out two books simultaneously, except kindergarten and first grade whom are permitted one. Books have a checkout period of two weeks. Books may be returned directly to the librarian or in the book drop. If not returned by the due date, materials will incur fines of $.05 per day maxed out at $15.00. Once a book has been overdue for sixty days, it is marked as lost and the student's FACTS account will be charged the amount of the replacement. Once the charge is placed, the student will have 24 hours in which to return the book before they are fully responsible for the cost. Books that are returned damaged will be applied to the student(s)’ account for replacement. If a student believes that they have returned a book that is being shown as checked out and/or overdue, it is the student’s responsibility to speak with a librarian to resolve the issue and find the book. Outstanding fines and checkouts will result in the student being unable to check out further materials and potentially restrict access to report cards at the end of the term.
Fines and late fees will be generated and charged at the end of each quarter.
Censorship
Censorship is not encouraged at Holy Spirit Catholic School. It is not our place to determine what is acceptable and what is not; however, books that are not in accordance with Holy Spirit Catholic School’s mission will be removed. If a question or a problem arises, see the Censorship Form for information on how to submit a request for reconsideration.
Holy Spirit has a diverse age range. If a book is determined to not be age appropriate for a student, there is a form that may be signed by the parent granting permission for that book to be checked out to their student. The librarian may refuse permission to check out a book until this form is returned.
Volunteers
Volunteers must have Youth Protection I to work in the library. If they are ever present without the librarian, they must have Youth Protection II. While all help is greatly appreciated, there are pre-ascribed guidelines that must be followed and adhered. Volunteers are not to instruct students in their coursework. If a student needs assistance locating a book, volunteers are encouraged to help them; however, volunteers may not instruct students in terms of resource usage and class work. Volunteers must let the librarians know when they plan to be present. The library is a busy place, and there is not always accessibility. A volunteer(s)’ use of any library computer(s) must be approved by the librarian. This includes all laptops and desktops stationed in the library. If using a librarian(s)’ personal computer, the volunteer must cease when the librarian is not present. Permission is not universally granted, nor does it automatically carry over. Decisions about library organization and management must be approved by the librarian.