Dear Parent/Guardian:

Reading is one of the most important skills your child will learn in school.  Like all skills, improvement comes with practice, and the San Marcos Elementary School Library provides a variety of books for students to borrow for reading practice, information, and enjoyment.  Your student’s class will visit the school library weekly to select books to read.  Encourage your child to spend time reading at home daily.

Please discuss the following information with your student. Both the student and the adult should sign and return the Book Checkout Agreement form.  Students will only be allowed to bring books home if this agreement has been signed by both parent/guardian and student.

Student (please read with your parent/guardian): 

1. Kinder and first grade students may borrow one (1) book at a time from the school library.  First graders will be allowed to bring home their books, and kinder will start to bring books home after winter break.  Second through fifth grade students may borrow two (2) books at a time from the school library.  All students may borrow up to four (4) books if accompanied by a responsible adult before or after school.
2. Your class visits the library once a week, but you may keep the book for up to 2 weeks if needed.  If the book hasn’t been finished by the end of the borrowing period, the student can request to renew the book.
3. Students are responsible for notifying the library staff of any problems with their book prior to leaving the library so that the book(s) can be repaired or the damage noted.
4. If the book is not returned within 2 weeks an overdue notice will be issued to the student through the classroom teacher. 
5. If there is a problem on a student's account,  you will be allowed to borrow a book that must stay in the classroom until the overdue book is returned or the fine has been paid. 
6. Students will receive a fine for any books that are lost or damaged.  The fine will be calculated based on the replacement cost for the lost/damaged material.
7. While books are checked out, students are responsible for the care of their books.  Each student agrees to:
   • Keep books dry and clean - never eat or drink with books and wash hands before reading.
   • Use a bookmark, don't put open books face down or fold corners (dog ear).
   • Never write or draw in books.
   • Keep books away from babies or pets, and never leave any books outside.
   • Never throw a library book, nor balance it on your head
   • Return books to the library on time so other students can borrow them.
   • If a book is damaged, do not attempt to fix it; bring it to the library for repair.

Parent/Guardian: 

• Develop a routine with your child to help them remember Library Day and bring their library book(s) to school. 
• Help your student(s) make a special place to keep their library books at home so that the book(s) are safe.
• If your family plans to move from San Marcos Elementary, you are expected to return all books before moving.

If a student owes a fine, they will be allowed to check out only one (1) book at a time.  That book must stay in the classroom and cannot be taken home.  Once the fine has been paid, students may resume checking out books according to the information provided above.

Here's to an exciting 2021-22 school year full of reading!