Book Exchange Policies
Book Exchange Policies
Welcome to the Mill Creek Library! Your child will be visiting the library once a week for 40 minutes (30 minutes for kindergarten). During that time there will be a period of time for "book exchange". This is when they select a book or books to be checked out and taken home. At the beginning of the school year, we go over the book exchange policy with the students. Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQ's) by students and parents:
Book Exchange Policy FAQ's
How many books can I check out?
Kindergarten students are permitted to take home one book for personal reading per week. Students in 1st through 6th grade are permitted to take home two books. All books will be signed out for one week, but students may keep a book longer by renewing it. Students who wish to renew materials must still bring their book with them to the library. We will not renew a book unless we see the book. Students may use the library in the morning after 8:30 AM to return, renew, or look for new materials. Additional library hours are:
Days 1, 2, 3, 5: 8:30 - 9:30 AM
Days 1, 3, 4, 5: 11:00 - 11:45
What if I forget my books on "library day"?
The first thing we try to instill in our students is that it is "their" responsibility to remember their books. Having said that, our younger students clearly need reminders and remembering "library day" is still a new concept. We understand how crazy life can be sometimes, so, we will send home a bookmark early in the year with your child's "library day." While you are reading with them, or they are independently reading, the bookmark will be a gentle reminder.
- Kindergarten - Students in kindergarten are permitted to take home one book each week during book exchange. If a kindergarten student forgets to return their book to the library the following week, they may check out 1 additional book. Students in kindergarten may not have more than one book overdue at any given time. If a student forgets their second book, they may not check out any additional books until a book is returned, renewed, or paid for, if lost. If any book is more than 4 weeks overdue, a student may not check out any additional books until that book is returned, renewed, or paid for if lost or damaged.
- 1st - 6th Grades - Students in 1st - 6th grades are permitted to take home two books each week during library book exchange. If a student forgets one book, they will be able to check out one additional book. If they forget both of their library books, they will NOT be permitted to take home any more materials until their previous books are returned, renewed, or paid for if lost. Students in 1st - 6th grades may never have more than two books checked out at any given time unless they have special permission or are working on a project. If any book is more than 4 weeks overdue, a student may not check out any additional books until the overdue book is returned, renewed, or paid for, if lost or damaged.
Do I have to pay a fine if my books are late?
We do not charge weekly fines for late books. However, we will send home informal reminders if your child continues to forget his/her library book(s). If the problem persists, you may receive a more formal reminder through a phone call or letter.
What if I accidentally damage or lose my book?
Again, we discuss with the students proper book care procedures at the beginning of the year and again mid-way through the year. However, accidents will happen. It's a fact of life.
Please have your child bring any damaged book to the library as soon as the accident occurs. No one at the library will be angry at a student for damaging a book. Depending on the severity of the damage, we may be able to fix the book.
Unfortunately, any student who loses a book or who damages a book beyond repair is expected to pay the replacement cost of the book. As a guideline, the average cost of a hardback book is $18.00. Some are slightly more, some are slightly less. If you should find your child's lost book within 60 days of paying for it, please return the book (in good shape) to the library for a full refund.
These procedures are in place because we believe that they help students learn responsibility and book care. We truly appreciate your cooperation in this matter! If you have any questions or concerns about these policies, please do not hesitate to call or email the library for further discussion. You may also contact the library to find out the replacement cost of any book that may be lost or damaged.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our book exchange procedures. We hope to make your child's library experience at Mill Creek enjoyable and appreciate your support and cooperation.