Library FAQs

Policy and Procedure 2021 - Library Media Center can be found here.

How does the district go about its routine weeding/de-selection process?
Considerations for De-selection 1. Currency – The subject matter is out of date or no longer relevant to the instructional program; 2. Physical Condition – Item is worn, soiled, missing pages, antiquated in appearance or unattractive; 3. Not circulating for a reasonable amount of time; 4. Superseded by newer editions; 5. Perpetuates cultural, ethnic, or sexual stereotypes; 6. Inappropriate reading level; or 7. Unneeded duplication of materials.

How do I request a book for review due to potential inappropriate or explicit content?
This process is covered on Page 3 of Procedure 2021 [linked here]. 

Can I donate books to the library? 
Yes, but we first ask you to contact the teacher-librarian of the desired school to inquire about donating particular titles to that school. Materials donated to the school library shall be accepted or declined in accordance with the criteria applied to the purchase of materials outlined on Page 2 of Procedure 2021 [linked here].

What happens if I find a book that has been listed as lost/fine was issued?
Please return the book to the library and the fine will be removed from the student's account. If you already paid the fine, but find the book within 60 days, a refund will be issued. For any books found beyond 60 days, no refunds will be issued. By the 60-day mark, books have typically been replaced through purchase.

Are there options aside from paying the fine?
Families may replace the book directly to the library by purchasing it themselves. If a family would prefer this route, please be sure to replace the book with the exact title and physical style of book (hardback, paperback, etc.).

How do I get a refund of a fine that was paid?
Families may request a reimbursement form from the school's bookkeeper and return it to them once completed. 

Do fines follow my child if they move to a different school within the district?
Yes. For any promotional changes (i.e. 5th to 6th Grade, or 8th to 9th Grade) or intra-district transfers, fines will remain on that student's account until they are paid. 

What should I do with a damaged book?
Please contact your school's teacher-librarian about a damaged book. We ask that families do not try to repair a damaged book themselves. Teacher-librarians will assess the condition of the book and do their best to repair it. 

How many books can my student have checked out at any given time?
Elementary students are limited to 3 books. Secondary students are limited to 5 books.

As a parent/guardian, is there a way I can restrict or limit what my child can check out?
Yes. Parents/guardians can request a teacher-librarian to put a flag on a student’s name restricting access to books or topics they believe are not suitable for their child. The flag will pop up when the student attempts to check out a book that a parent/guardian has restricted.

What happens if a book is returned to the wrong library?
Teacher-librarians will take care of sending the book to the correct library or pick up any books returned to the another schools library or the county library each month. 

How do you ensure my child is checking out books they are able to independently read?
Students are taught techniques by teacher-librarians for selecting age-appropriate books. Some families want books they can read together. Families are welcome to let their child’s teacher-librarian know if they have questions about the books a child brings home.

How do I search the library catalog? 
Click on your school here: https://library.meadsd.net/. No login is necessary to view a library's collection.

How do I log in to see what my child is checking out?
Click on your school here: https://library.meadsd.net/ and then follow the steps to login here.

What are students doing in the library?
Libraries are spaces for students learn and grow in a variety of ways. Problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and computer science skills provide the framework of the library program. This framework is built around a set of priority standards in the avenues of library skills, information literacy, digital citizenship, computer science and design thinking. More about these standards can be found by access the Mead School District Priority Standards (K-5) here and the Washington State EdTech Standards here.

How are you monitoring what kids are doing on their Chromebook during library?
Much like in classrooms, teacher-librarians are able to see what kids are looking at on their chromebooks through the GoGuardian Teacher software. This software gives the teacher, or teacher-librarian in libraries, the ability to open or close tabs and lock or unlock the screen on student chromebooks. The use of chromebooks in libaries is teacher-directed and only used for assigned activities, not free play.

Can I volunteer to help?
Elementary school book fairs are the perfect place for parents to pitch in their time and help. Book fairs are very popular events at our elementary schools! Parents can help setting up or tearing down, process purchases, re-stock or help children find books.