Welcome to the Bennett Library Media Center!
The mission of the Bennett library is to foster a love of reading for pleasure and learning by connecting our students and staff with a diverse collection of resources that meet their needs, challenge them to think critically, and inspire them to learn. The library will provide a welcoming space for all students and staff, allowing everyone to follow their interests and gain new knowledge, while becoming responsible members of their school community.
Library policies:
- Kindergarten and 1st grade students may take out 2 books at a time.
- 2nd – 5th grade students may take out 3 books at a time.
- Book check out is for 2 weeks, and students can renew any book they need for a longer period at any time.
- Students are responsible for the care of their books both in school and at home. Accidents will happen, and the student’s responsibility is to report any lost or damaged books to the librarian so that a plan can be made to fix or replace the book (at no charge to the student or family). Intentionally damaged books may result in a fine or fee to replace the title.
- In all cases of lost or damaged books I will work with the students to make a plan for how to care for our books to make sure that the titles will be available for everyone to enjoy.
Library Newsletter- updated weekly!
An IB World School Library:
As an IB World School, the Bennett library offers a wide selection of books on a host of topics both in fiction and nonfiction, including a selection of books in the “mother tongue” of our international students. These books are categorized by reading level and generally checked out to students on the basis of their demonstrated performance on reading assessments to ensure that the books are a good fit for a particular student’s needs, while still challenging them to stretch their ability and understanding. (RISK TAKER)
We hope you take the opportunity to read these books with your child and discuss the content of their reading material. As stated in the Bennett Language Policy: “Language is the means to access information, enhance intellectual growth, foster communication, develop social skills and values, maintain culture, examine who we are, and express ourselves.”
As such, we encourage books that are technically challenging, encompass multiple viewpoints, and help students explore topics from the wider world that they may not be able to personally experience. Having open conversations about the books your child is reading can help them develop many of the traits that are encouraged in the IB Learner Profile. (COMMUNICATOR/ CARING)
Nonfiction books may give some insight as to what your child is currently interested in, and gives you the opportunity to expand on that interest by exploring websites, museums, personal experience, or other books in your home or public library. (THINKER/ KNOWLEDGEABLE/ INQUIRER)
Beyond the simple benefit of improved decoding and vocabulary skills, there are opportunities in fictional books to expand empathy and broaden a student's point of view through stories. As a parent, knowing what your child is reading gives you the opportunity to discuss and clarify what you as a family consider important, and how that compares to the characters and situations found in the book. (REFLECTIVE/ OPEN MINDED/ CARING/ PRINCIPLED)
You are integral part of your child’s educational experience. We encourage all parents to find out when your child checks out books, find out what they are reading, and talk to your child about the story or subject. Apart from the educational benefits, reading and growing with your child is one of the greatest pleasures of parenthood!
