Library
Welcome to our Library
Welcome to the S.Y. Jackson Library. My name is Susan Bowdoin, and I am your school librarian. Please fee free to contact me.
Contact Information
- Susan Bowdoin
Librarian
Mission
The mission of our library is to grow a vibrant community of learners by promoting wide reading, critical thinking, problem-solving, creative expression, and collaboration.
Goals
All S.Y. Jackson students participate in weekly library classes. The goals for these visits include:
- developing a love of reading
- learning how to access, evaluate, and use library resources of all kinds (print books, digital books, online databases, etc.)
- practicing being responsible library patrons
Responsibility takes time, consistency, and focus to grow. All students who visit our library are taught how to care for library books, and how to take responsibility for accidents and mishaps if they occur. If books are damaged or lost, please contact Mrs. Bowdoin (via email is best) to clear your students' account so they are able to continue checking out books.
Library Policies
- Checkout Limits are listed below. Students may arrange additional book checkouts for special class projects. The library staff reserves the right to set limits on the number of high demand books that may be borrowed and/or renewed.
- Kindergarten: 1 book at a time
- 1st & 2nd Grades: 2 books at a time
- 3rd-5th Grades: up to 3 books at a time (if books are required for assignments, Reading Buddies and/or the student has a good record of returning books)
- The Library is open during school hours and usually before and after school.
- Parents are welcome to visit and borrow books.
- Books circulate to students for one week.
- Books must be brought to the library to be renewed.
- We suggest that student keep their library books in a safe place (like their backpack), handle them carefully, and accept responsibility for returning them in as good condition as when they borrowed them.
- Parents and children are responsible for lost or damaged books.
Library Class
Students attend library classes once a week. They are also welcome to visit the library during open hours (with the permission of the classroom teacher) to return and check out book, and to use our research station. You are also welcome to visit the library and to check out books!
Schedule
Book Selection
We teach the students how to find and use appropriate library resources. One strategy is to teach students how to select “just right” books – books that are neither too easy nor too difficult, but rather at just the right reading level so students enjoy reading without frustration.
Our library serves students in grades kindergarten to fifth grade. Many of our students are reading above their grade level and our students have a wide range of interests. We have selected our books with these reading levels and interests in mind, and with New Mexico Department of Education guidelines. If there are are topics or types of books that you prefer your child not read, please talk with your child about your expectations. You are also welcome to email me about your preferences. I can note this information on your child’s school library card.
Book Care
Students are taught how to care for library resources responsibly. Kindergarten and 1st grade students receive a library borrow bag to keep in their backpacks. This serves as a protection against leaky water bottles and other things that can damage books. We encourage them to:
- Return or renew their books on time
- Keep library books in a special place so they can easily find them
- Protect library books from damage by food and liquids, animals, and younger children.
Book Clubs
We are committed to instilling a love of reading in SY Jackson students. The Library sponsors several book clubs that encourage students to read a wide range of high quality literature. Information about these clubs is sent home at the beginning of the school year, typically in September.
Caldecott Club
Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students are invited to be a part of the SY Jackson Caldecott Club, which is named after the Caldecott Medal, an annual book award presented to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Students keep track of Caldecott Medal and Honor books they read, including those we’ve read together during library class and books they’ve read on their own or with family members. Students who read 100 Caldecott books before the end of 2nd grade enter the S.Y. Jackson Caldecott Hall of Fame and their names are listed on permanent plaques outside the library. Tracking sheets will be sent home with students in September, and are also available in the library.
Distinguished Books Club
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students are invited to be a part of the SY Jackson Distinguished Books Club by reading books that have received an American Library Association Youth Media Award or Honor medal. These award categories include, but aren’t limited to the Newbery Award, Coretta Scott King, Pura Belpre, American Indian Youth Literature, Sibert, and Schneider Family awards, as well as the current year contenders on the Land of Enchantment Book Award Roadrunner and Coyote lists. Students who read 50 Distinguished books before the end of 5th grade enter the S.Y. Jackson Distinguished Books Hall of Fame and their names are listed on permanent plaques outside the library. Tracking sheets will be sent home with students in September, and are also available in the library.