Library

Welcome to the IHMCS Library!

“The library is not longer a quiet place. It’s busy, active and dynamic.” Unknown

Mission Statement

The mission of the IHM library is to support the school’s curriculum, assist members of the learning community in becoming effective users of information, and foster the love of reading

Overview and Curriculum

We house over 10,000 books and reference materials. All of our materials are selected on the basis or recommendations of staff and students, curriculum needs, and professional review sources. A major goal is to complete the computerized catalog and eventually have it accessible from any computer in the building and on the Internet.

Library Hours

The library is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the school day. Students may check out books during these days with a teacher’s permission.

Check Out Policies

Books are checked out to students for a period of two weeks and may be renewed if there is no waiting list Students in Kindergarten and first grade are allowed one book at a time. Students in graded two through eight are allowed to check out two books at a time.

To prevent materials from becoming overdue, students are encouraged to check their account and exchange books each week during a scheduled library time. Students who wish to exchange books more frequently may do so with the permission of their teacher anytime during the school day when the library is open

Overdue Books

When library materials are overdue, students are not allowed to check out additional material until the overdue item is returned. Overdue notices are sent out every week   to students with overdue materials. If a student feels he or she has received an overdue notice in error, they are encouraged to contact the library staff for further investigation.

Book Care

At the beginning of each school year, students are taught and reminded of proper book care skills. Guidelines discussed include:

1. Have a special place at home just for library books.

2. Not eating or drinking while reading.

3. Keeping books out of reach of younger children and pets.

4. Turning the pages from the side or top corner rather than the bottom.

5. Carrying books between home and school in a backpack.

6. Using a bookmark instead of bending corners of pages to keep the place.

Lost of Damaged Books

Our policy for lost or damaged materials is that the student pays for the item so that a replacement can be purchased. If a lost item is found and has not yet been replaced, a full refund is given.

Book Selection

Students are encouraged to make their own book selections as part of a learning process to determine which books are right for them. Students take out books for many different and valid reasons. They are encouraged to experience many types of books, both fiction and non-fiction. Question your child as to why they may have chosen a particular book and if he or she enjoyed having it as a selection. If they feel they have not made a good choice, discuss what might be a better choice next time. Remind them that the library staff is always happy to try and match books with students.