Frequently Asked Questions
How many books will my child check out each week?
Kindergarten and 1st Grade: one book
2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th: two books
When students conduct research projects for class, they may check out additional books.
"Fast finishers," those students who read more than one book weekly, may return their library materials onto my hallway book cart, and with their teacher's permission, visit the library between 2:30-2:45 p.m. to select another book.
What are the "I Can Solve the Mystery of the Hidden Library Book(s)" notes?
Students learn how to effectively utilize the library not only when searching for books, but when borrowing and returning books on a regular basis. Instead of punitive overdue book notices, students are reminded that their friends and others will also like to read the books that they have borrowed. They are encouraged to ask a family member, someone good at finding hidden objects, for help in order to solve the mystery of the books that are hiding somewhere other than our library.
Are the books in a backpack or locker? Might they be in a desk or bedroom? Perhaps a sibling found the book and enjoyed it as a bedtime story and forgot to return it to where it was found at home. Super sleuths enjoy the hunt and are very proud to return the books so that they can be shared with others.
What does my child do during his/her/their weekly library visit?
Classes visit the library once a week on their assigned day (A, B, C, or D). They listen to and discuss a read-aloud story, learn how to search for specific books, learn library-specific vocabulary, and effective book-browsing techniques. Students learn to identify "good-fit" books and collaborate within their cohorts to complete library lessons and center activities aligned with grade-level curricular content in support of learning goals. Our readers grow as critical thinkers as they develop good reading habits and safe, kind, and helpful behaviors.
The establishment of these important foundational skills takes time and many opportunities to practice. Don't be surprised if you see some not-quite-good-fit books coming home during the first quarter of school as students familiarize themselves with our library collection.
To read the Kansas Library Standards for grades K-2 and 3-5, please click here.
Can parents help students search our catalog from home?
Yes! Return to our main library landing page and scroll down to the Destiny Follett app icon (it features a tree). Tap on the icon and you'll be taken to our Destiny homepage. Students do NOT have to log in with credentials in order to conduct a search. Simply tap on the "catalog" tab and enter keywords into the search box that appears on the next page.
You can limit your search parameters using the categories below the keyword box. If your student would like to select books at his/her/their Lexile level (provided by your child's teacher), choose "Lexile" from the "Reading Program" line, and then enter the Lexile range using two numbers in the pop-up boxes that will appear, for example, 250-450.
Remember, reading is reading, no matter the genre or style of book that students select.
Do graphic novels and comics count as "real books?"
Yes! Comics and graphic novels aren't just pages of illustrated superheroes or silly characters surrounded by simple vocabulary and onomatopoeia. To many they provide an immersive literary experience, helping readers to understand and recognize story types and plots, and visualize not only the settings and magnitude of important events but the emotions of characters and authors, too. Graphic novel adaptations are great introductions to longer, more traditional texts, such as The Wings of Fire or Percy Jackson series. You can read more about the value of graphic novels by tapping our links on our main page.
Will the school host a book fair?
Yes! We host two fairs, one in the fall and one in the spring. Parent volunteers are welcome to join us during the fairs to help students create wish lists, straighten books after class visits, and work the touch-screen registers. Volunteers earn 20% of the items they wish to purchase for their children. Bradley's SITE Council will share more information prior to each event.
