Welcome to your School Library Media Center!

The Library Media program is designed to provide students with the library, information literacy, media and technology skills they will need to be successful throughout their school years and beyond.  The library and technology skills we teach are based on the American Library Association's 21st century standards and the state of New Hampshire Information and Communication Technologies standards (ICT)

Our goals are to:

• support learning at Underhill School by providing resources, storytime, information literacy lessons, research projects and more
• help students learn to read and LOVE to read
• teach students how to use the library as a resource for lifelong learning
• provide materials that support classroom curriculum
• make the library a learning center where students, staff and parents can find what they need

What do students do during Library Class?

All Kindergarten, First and Second grade classes come to the Library once per week. During their time in Library Class, students generally listen to a book that has been chosen to support learning.  They may also have interactive learning on the Smartboard, work on laptop computers from the mobile lab, learn about media literacy through high quality audio books or videos, and begin to develop evaluative skills on using the internet.

After the lesson and book selection, students are encouraged to go to Centers where they can actively engage in self-directed learning. Centers may include Puzzles, Creative Writing/Illustrating, Checkers, Book Nook, Tech Center, Word Play, Brainteaser and more. We change the centers each month to keep students motivated and excited to explore.

Do the students come to the Library to do research?
All students also come to the Library to work with Mrs. Landsman on IIM Research projects as a whole class or in small groups (see our IIM Research Page tab above) throughout the school year.  This is a meaningful way for students to integrate library and literacy information skills with 21st century learning strategies. Our students are practicing important research skills they can use for lifelong learning.

What about checking out books?

Students have the opportunity to check out books during every Library Class. Students in Kindergarten and First grade may check out one book at a time.  Second graders may check out two books at a time.

In addition, the Library has an OPEN EXCHANGE time each morning from 8:45 - 9:15 because we believe students should be able to return a book when they are done with it, and choose a new book when they are ready, not just during a scheduled class time.

What happens if a student can't find his/her library book?

We understand that books can go missing.  We teach all our students that the best way to make sure you return your library book on time is to put it in a safe place at home.  But if a book cannot be located after every effort has been made, we will send home a notice with the cost to replace the book.  A student may not take out another library book until the one checked out has been returned or the replacement cost has been paid.  If the book is found and returned in good condition after payment has been made, we will return the fee to you - we would much rather have the book back!

Can we just buy a new book with the same title?

We purchase our library materials from a qualified vendor who also supplies all the processing materials (barcodes, spine labels) and digital cataloging data.  For this reason, we prefer payment so we can replace the book in our next order.

Can parents check out books?

Yes!  We encourage you to look at our library catalog online (see the Destiny Catalog tab above). You can send a note, an e-mail or give us a call if you would like to request materials.  In addition, we can provide you with a user name and password to access your student's school account.  

Feel free to stop in at the Library Media Center.

We are always happy to see you!