Volunteering at the Bret Harte Library
Did you know that plans are "in the works" for a BIG Bret Harte Book Fair, scheduled for the week of October 23-27? Check here soon for more info.
Books are wonderful things and here at Bret Harte we are fortunate to have a well rounded media center. That the Bret Harte Media Center is used so successfully is fab! However, this does mean that our librarian, Mrs. Adele Shepard, could use our help reshelfing and maintaining the center.
An hour once a week would be a huge help! Library volunteers reshelf books, straighten up, check out and check in books. It is a simple, but important way, to help out at Bret Harte. Please consider being a library volunteer.
For more information, kindly contact me at LibraryChair0809@BretHarte.net.
Thank you!
Tips for Helping in the Library
- Always sign in at the Front Desk before coming to the library.
- Adele Shepard is the "librarian" or media center coordinator. She does a wonderful job keeping everything running smoothly so our students have text books to use and access to the Bret Harte School Library (despite the cutbacks SJUSD). Consider her "The Source" of all library information and procedures and with whom you will work with in the library.
- If you cannot make it as scheduled, that's okay! Adele does not keep attendance! She appreciates whatever assistance is available. If you're able, give her a call or email her to let her know you won't be there (adele_shepard@sjusd.org).
- Jobs that need doing all the time are shelving books, tidying shelves, checking books are in the correct place, and checking books in or out when students are present. If you find a book that is damaged or needs a new label, give it to Adele.
- Students must use their ID cards, when they are issued, to check out books. Their ID is scanned and the correct name should appear on the computer screen. The book is then scanned ("bar code" sticker is on the back cover) and stamped on the due date slip, usually inside the back cover. Books are returned to the bin below the circulation desk through the book return drop slot in front. They need to be checked in and placed on the cart behind to be shelved. Books that are overdue need to be checked off on the overdue list, also usually on the counter. Adele can run through these procedures with you.
- Sometimes students come to the library to work or take a test without a teacher. They must sign in and out (sheet should be on a clipboard on the circulation desk). They must have a pass signed by their teacher in order to enter and use the library during class time. They may ask you to sign it to show what time they left the library.
- You should expect all students to show respect for the library and other students or adults there by maintaining a quiet work atmosphere. Teachers are responsible for their classes. Please remind students to place their chairs under to desk. If they choose to move a chair to another table, they must return it to the table they borrowed it from. Also, remind students not to return books to the shelf. If they remove a book and decide not to check it out, please have them place the book in the book return drop, at the front of the circulation desk. NO FOOD, GUM, WATER or other beverages are allowed in the library.
- AR (Accelerated Reader) Testing: Students can take tests on the library computers. Ask Adele to show you how they access the computer's AR program and what a reading log should look like. Before taking a test, all students are required to show an adult in the library that their reading log is filled in accurately, and then to get it signed after they have completed the test. Folders with AR books, authors, and levels listed are on right hand side of the circulation desk.
- Students can make small numbers of Xerox copies at 5 cents per copy. Adele can show you how the Xerox works if you are unsure. Check with their teachers or Adele about what is allowed if students ask to print something from a computer. Copies printed from a computer are also 5 cents each.
- Students can borrow text books but are expected to leave their ID card in exchange to be returned when the book is returned to the shelf.
- Working with children and staff can be a very fluid experience, it changes unexpectedly from moment to moment. If the library is locked, wait a few minutes in case Adele is running an errand, then check at the front office to see if the library is open that day or if Adele is on her break time. I apologize in advance if you do arrive and the library is closed. Unforeseen things do happen occasionally.
THANK YOU for volunteering to help keep the library available to our students and staff.
