hours: Monday and Wednesday
Janet Johnstone Learning Commons
Our school library, now called the Learning Commons, fosters lifelong learning and is an integral part of our education program. Children are encouraged to browse and select materials at their level, care for them properly, and return or renew them on time. We do not charge for overdue materials. However, students are held accountable for lost or damaged books. Students are provided with a large Ziploc bag in which they should always carry their library books. This measure prevents damage from occurring due to accidental liquid spills in their backpacks.
Students may choose from a wide variety of learning resources which are available in both French and English to complete assignments and for personal interest. These include: reference, fiction and non-fiction print materials, audio-visual materials, magazines, on-line databases, internet resources, and various educational software. Our library assistant manages these resources as well as provides assistance to students and teachers in accessing and choosing reading and learning materials. As well as providing borrowing privileges and teaching library orientation and location skills, the library assistant supports all other curriculum programs in research, planning and implementation. We also have a small parent reference library.
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) uses a web-based program called WebCat for searching the CBE library catalogue. WebCat allows students and staff online access to our school library and the entire CBE library from home or at school on any computer with internet capability. Checking the WebCat from home under the “My Stuff” tab allows students to view a list of materials they have scanned out from our school library and their due dates. Dedicated volunteers and student library helpers keep our library a dynamic and organized learning area. Come and enjoy our Learning Commons and its abundant resources!
Library Guidelines
How many books can I sign out?
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 1 can sign out 1 book each and Grades 2-4 can sign out 2 books each per exchange. French Immersion students in Grade 4 can sign out 3 books (2 French & 1 English). Grade 4 English students also have the option of borrowing 3 books (2 English & 1 French). Books need to be returned before getting new ones.
What books are available in the library?
We have picture books, chapter books, early reader books, magazines and non-fiction books available in English and French.
Can I renew a library book?
Yes! Library books can be renewed if a student needs more time to finish their book but the books need to come back to the library to renew them. Most books can be renewed up to 3 times, depending on the popularity of the book.
Why do I need to use a shelf marker?
A shelf marker must be used by all students when browsing through the books to help us keep the library organized. Students have been shown how to use shelf markers.
How do I protect my library books?
A plastic zip-lock bag has been provided (by FJJSA) to the students to protect their library books from moisture. Keep the bag in your backpack, place the library books in the bag and zip it closed. Please remind your children that plastic bags are not toys and should only be used to protect their books.
Be gentle with the books by turning the pages gently and carefully. Keep books in a special place so younger siblings and/or pets cannot access them. Backpacks are a good place since students will always have their books on library day. Use a bookmark or a piece of paper to mark your spot. Do not bend the pages or use anything that can damage the books.
Do not write in the books, fold or rip pages. Please, do not mend any damaged library books. Return them to the library with a note and we will try to repair them.
What happens if I lose or damage a library book?
A book that is lost or damaged will have to be paid for. An overdue slip will be given to the students with the title and cost of the book. Payment can be made to the office by debit, charge or cheque and a receipt will be issued for the payment. If you would like to write a cheque, please make it out to Janet Johnstone School.
