Gilles Street Primary School has a modern automated library which holds a central position, both in location and in the curriculum, within the school. Its comprehensive collection of resources is available for use by all members of the school community.

Students from non-English speaking backgrounds are encouraged to maintain literacy in their first language, which is supported by approximately 350 books in 20 languages. The library operates a network of eleven computers which are used for public access searches, word-processing, graphics and information gathering.

The library program aims at developing confident, independent learners for life. With resource-based learning students learn how to learn. The library has a documented Information Skills Program designed to teach students how to access, use and communicate information. The program is a continuum which is integrated into the curriculum.

Skills are explicitly taught and modeled, then reinforced through all year levels. All students participate in the Information Skills Program through regular lessons that are planned and taught cooperatively by the teacher librarian and classroom teachers.

The Library is open between 8:30am and 3:30pm Monday-Friday.

Each class has a weekly borrowing session. Students can also borrow at lunchtimes.

During lunchtimes students may read, research, draw and play quiet indoor games.

Community members may borrow in the 15 minutes before and after the school day.

Staff


Who is your teacher librarian?

Teacher librarian: Alison Hicks


I am here to assist you in locating information and to borrow resources.

Collection


What types of resources are available?

We have a large range of resources to meet your learning and recreational needs.

Books - fiction, non-fiction, other languages

For use in the Library only:

• Reference - encyclopedias, dictionaries
• Internet Access
• CDROMs
• Videos
• CDs and audiotapes
• Pictures

Loans


How many items can you borrow?

What is the length of time you can borrow them?

Junior Primary: 2 books
Middle Primary: 4 books
Upper Primary: 5 books

Books may be borrowed for 2 weeks

Parents and community members: 10 books; books may be borrowed for 4 weeks

Books can be returned earlier if wished.

All books are returned for the long vacation.

Overdues


What happens if a book is late, lost or damaged?

1. A reminder note is sent to the class
2. An overdue note is sent home
3. A letter asking for payment is sent home

If a book is damaged, please return it to school so we can try to repair it. If it is beyond repair an account may be sent home.

Book Care


How should you care for books?

1. Keep books in a library bag.
2. Have a special place at home for your library books.
3. Keep books away from babies and pets.
4. Have clean hands when reading.
5. Turn pages carefully.
6. Don't eat or drink while you read.
7. Make sure lids of drink bottles and lunch bottles are put on tightly.

Rules


What are the expectations in the library – the do’s and don’ts?

1. Respect the Library as a place of learning – do not use it as a shortcut to other rooms.
2. Respect other people and their right to learn.
3. Care for our library and its resources.
4. Use quiet voices.
5. Enter through the eastern door.