BEFORE SCHOOL HOURS

 LIBRARY LEARNING COMMONS will be OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:40 – 9:00

Exceptions include Staff Meetings, Special Events, and the last two weeks of school for inventory. If we have a guest teacher the Library will also be closed before school. In all these cases there is outside supervision available. 

BOOK EXCHANGE

**Please note there is no book exchange on Wednesday afternoons because I am teaching a class during that time.

 How to choose a "Just Right" book:

COMMON QUESTIONS:

How many books can I take out? Students can take out up to 5 books (more for school projects).

Can I take out books if I have an overdue book? I request all books be returned on time before checking out more books. I will allow up to 1 book to be taken out when there are any late books.

How long can I take books out? Books can be checked out for up to 2 weeks. I encourage students to return their books early if ready.

Can I renew a book? If you would like to renew a book please bring it in and we can update your account. Usually this is not a problem but if the book has a hold on it and another student or teacher is waiting for the book you will not be able to renew your book.

How do I know if I have overdue books? I will be sending out weekly emails to families and teachers informing of any overdue books.

Do I have to pay a fine for late books? There are no fines for overdue books. The email notice appears to have fines but this is just the replacement cost for a lost book not a late book. I am unable to change the language of the word “fine” in the software.

Do I have to pay for a lost book? If a book has been lost I request the replacement cost or a replacement book. If you cannot acquire the same book, another book that is in good condition and popular / in demand is sufficient. If you are unable to pay for the book please contact me and we can make an alternative arrangement.

Do you take book donations? Yes! I accept books that are in good condition and are popular / in demand.  Please make sure the books are in a bag that is clearly labelled with your contact info. or your child's contact info. so I know who you are and can thank you as well as give any books back that we do not need.

How do I search for a book online? Here is a "How To" video another VSB Teacher Librarian created. 

Do you need parent volunteers? Yes! If you are interested in helping there is always something to do. If you like organizing, shelf reading, labelling, repairing books, CLEANING! (I like to keep our space super-duper clean ). If you have any  other skills you think would benefit our learning commons let me know (think makerspace - building, woodworking, metalwork, textiles [inspired to sew book bags? etc.]) I will also be looking for help during the book fair (date to be announced soon). Currently I need volunteers every morning from 8:30 – 9:30

Thanks anwood@vsb.bc.ca

What is A.D.S.T.?

The Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies curriculum builds on students’ natural curiosity, inventiveness, and desire to create and work in practical ways. It harnesses the power of learning by doing, and provides the challenging fun that inspires students to dig deeper, work with big ideas, and adapt to a changing world. It provides learning opportunities through which students can discover their interests in practical and purposeful ways. Click here for more information.

DIGITAL DATABASES

The VSB Subscribes to several valuable resources for our learners. To access our databases use these instructions: Click here for Instructions to Access Databases * if link is expired please email anwood@vsb.bc.ca - it expires every 30 days so I may need a reminder to update it  It is here you will also be able to see what books you have checked out and search for books  and explore the collection from home.

LEARNING COMMONS

There is a great blog from West Vancouver Superintendent Chris Kennedy called Culture of Yes that speaks to the transformation of school libraries to 21st Century Learning Commons. As Kennedy highlights, Joan Fyre Williams has a great library metaphor: 

" Our libraries should transition to places to do stuff, not simply places to get stuff. The library will become a laboratory in which community members tinker, build, learn, and communicate. We need to stop being the grocery store or candy store and become the kitchen.  We should emphasize hospitality, comfort, convenience and create work environments that invite exploration and creativity both virtually and physically."

Furthermore, there is a interesting read called Facing the Future by Ken Roberts that speaks to the imminent and necessary change coming to our libraries in BC. Roberts looks at the impact technology is having on changing learning spaces with a specific focus on public libraries. Roberts highlights that we need to shift our traditional views/perspectives of a library which originally existed as a place where information was consumed  to "a place where people gather, learn from each other and then use new skills (https://commons.bclibraries.ca...)."  Makerspaces and youth media labs are emerging to enhance the learning space and promote an environment where students can bring the core competencies to life. With the digital age enveloping our youth, the time has come for school libraries to catch up!