Welcome to the MP Library!
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Classes earn free choice time in the library by being responsible, respectful, and kind. On free choice days, students can choose from a variety of activities: drawing, creating cards and bookmarks, origami, puzzles, crafts, and building with materials like Legos, Magnatiles, and Strawbees. Students have a lot of fun on these days. Click the link below to view a slideshow of students on free choice days.
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Library Staff
Jenny Hillger, Library Media Specialist
My goals as a teacher~librarian are:- to help all students become life-long readers and learners;•collaborate with teachers to integrate information literacy lessons with classroom studies;•provide an up-to-date collection of library books and materials for students and teachers
- maintain a welcoming, organized library
Before becoming the library media specialist at MP, I spent eighteen years in the classroom, teaching general education and highly capable students in second through sixth graders. I received my bachelor’s degree in education from Pacific Lutheran University, and my master’s degree in education, as well as my library media endorsement, from the University of Washington. I also became a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of library media. I love to read children’s literature, and have a fondness for Greek mythology and picture books. I truly believe that picture books are everybody books. I enjoy purchasing new books for the library that students cannot wait to read.Ronelle Tyau, Library Technician
Having worked a variety of assignments at Meridian Park since 2015, I am so excited for my new role as Library Technician and the opportunity to support students as they begin to navigate through their educational journey. I’m delighted to be working together with Ms. Hillger in providing a welcoming space to foster life-long learners.
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Library Philosophy and Mission
The Meridian Park Library is a media and information center located in the middle of the school. The mission of the library media program is to encourage and support life-long learning and literacy development, and to ensure that students and staff are effective, self-reliant, and critical users of ideas and information.
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Library News
Happy Spring. I hope everyone is rested and energized, ready to head into the last weeks of the school year. I’d like to share some library news with you.
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Library Policies
Borrowing Books
Students and staff are automatically entered into the Library database upon arrival at Meridian Park.
•Books, magazines, and other materials are borrowed for two weeks at a time.
•Most items can be renewed once, if you bring them to the checkout desk. A few very popular books cannot be renewed, such as graphic novels and Guinness World Records books, because other readers are waiting for them.
•Students may check out books at any time during the school day, as long as they have a pass from their teacher, as well as during their scheduled class time.
•Kindergarteners begin by checking out one book, then move to two books later in the year.
•First graders may check out three books.
•Second graders may check out four books.
•Third and fourth graders may check out five books.
•Fifth graders may check out six books.
•Sixth graders may check out seven books.
Check each book for damage before you check it out. Show the librarian any damage you discover, so you won’t be held responsible and fined.
Each student is responsible for library materials checked out in his or her name. If your friend wants to read a book you have checked out, bring it back to the library first and let the friend check it out in his or her name.
Returning Books
Return books to the library when you finish reading them. Other people want to read them too.
Put books gently into the CHECK-IN crate in front of the checkout desk. Librarians and official helpers will check them in on the computer.
Renewing Books
If students need to keep books beyond the due date, they can renew them for an additional two weeks. Students must bring or send books that they wish to renew to the library. Renewals are good for two weeks. Graphic novels and world record books cannot be renewed.
Overdue Books
If you don’t bring back a library book by its due date, it becomes “overdue”.
If you get an overdue notice, return the item as soon as possible.
Search your classroom, backpack, home, and memory.
If you believe that you already returned the item, come to the library and complete a “shelf check”. It is possible that the item was re-shelved without being checked in on the computer. Help us correct the mistake.
A student with one or more overdue items may not check out any more until the items are returned.
Damaged and Lost Books
Damaged or lost materials must be replaced. We prefer that you buy a replacement from a bookstore. Try finding a new or used copy for less money at Third Place Books or from a website such as amazon.com.
If direct replacement is not possible, a fine must be paid instead ($10 for paperback, $20 for hardcover). If this poses a financial hardship, see the librarian to discuss alternate payment options.
Once a parent or guardian has communicated with library staff about damaged or lost books, then the students will have limited check-out privileges until the book is replaced or the fine is paid.
Volunteering
Volunteers are always welcome in the library. We appreciate help in maintaining a well-organized, inviting library.
Volunteers can do many things, such as shelving books, processing new books, repairing damaged books, putting together bulletin boards and displays, and working with students on literacy and research activities
If you are interested in working in the libray, please contact Jenny Hillger, library media specialist, at 206.393.4125, or Mary Crandell, the Meridian Park volunteer coordinator, at 206.393.4128.
Parent Library Cards
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to check out books from the Meridian Park Library Media Center. Parents can obtain library cards by stopping by the library at any time during the school day, 8:30 – 4:00.
Parents can borrow up to five books at a time, for a duration of two weeks.
Library Media Center Guidelines
The library is open during regular school hours, 9:05 – 3:30, as well as for a short time after the last bell. Students who come to school early, prior to 9:00, must be with a parent or another supervising adult.
Always have a purpose for coming to the library.
Be considerate of others using the library. Use a quiet voice when working or talking with others.
When the librarian is teaching a class, please do not interrupt. Find another adult to answer your questions.
You do not need to check out books you are using inside the library. Use a shelf marker, and return materials to the shelf before you leave.
When leaving the Library, please clean up the study area, push chairs in, and replace all library materials to their appropriate location.
Information Literacy Definition
Information literacy, necessary to lifelong learning, is the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesize, and use information in a variety of ways.
Teachers and the library media specialist work together to integrate information literacy skills into the curriculum. The goal is to help students become independent information problem solvers who can actively use the library to gather information.
(Definition from Information Power, American Library Association and the Association for Educational Communications and Technologies, 1998)
