I agree with Carrie and David. I try to be relaxed about overdue books and keep in mind overall goals of getting students reading and keeping them excited about coming to the library. One bad experience can turn off a student for life. I always attempt to embrace those teachable moments. Some examples:

Kindergartners know that if they have 2 overdue books, I usually don't let them take out a third until at least one is returned. I bent my rule last week and let a student take out a third. (I know the family situation.) Later in the day, I happened to see his big sister in grade 5 who comes into the library after school just about every day. I asked her if she could help her little brother find his books. I have to tell you this student has not shown me in the past that she's responsible, but she's an awesome kid, just like her brother. At the beginning of this week, she pops into the library, returns all of the books from her brother, and an overdue book that she had! I told her how awesome she is and how thankful I was. Little brother comes into the library today with a long face, "I forgot all of my books." I said, "Your sister already returned all of your books! You owe her a big hug and a thank you!" He was thrilled and happily chose another book today. Big sis came in this afternoon and I told her how happy her brother was that she brought back his books. Brother and sister are happy and the library received all books back.

Okay, so that's the only story I'll write, but I could share many more!! I guess my point is that I try to keep our relationships positive and embrace those teachable moments.

Cheers,
~Val


On Thu, Jan 16, 2014 at 10:37 AM, Newland, Amanda <anewland@cromwell.k12.ct.us> wrote:
It was brought to my attention that our school does not have a Overdue/Lost policy in place.  When I came to the school, I continued to follow the procedures that were in place by the previous librarian which is the following...


  *   Students receive an overdue notice in their LA class and are given an additional week to return the book.
  *   If after this time period - students are then taken out of lunch and serve a lunch detention in the library until the book is either returned or paid for (or if the student says it is lost).
  *   If a student loses more than two books during the year - they are not allowed to take any more books out from the library.

I am not a huge fan of this procedure but was informed by the library aide who has worked here for years that "it works" to get the books back.  However, that being said, our Principal received a call from a parent stating that since there is no written policy currently in place, we can not have students staying for lunch detentions,etc.  So we decided now is a good time to get a policy in place in the student handbook for next school year.

So my question to you all is would you be willing to share your policies/procedure that you might have in place that you feel works?

Thank you-


Amanda Newland

Library Media Specialist

Cromwell Middle School

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Valerie DiLorenzo
Library Media Specialist & Archivist
Rumsey Hall School
201 Romford Road
Washington Depot, CT 06794

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