Library Staff

Wellwood Library is staffed by Mrs. Preston, library media specialist and Mrs. Heaslip, library aide.

Contact

You may call the library directly at 315-692-1331.  You may also reach Mrs. Preston by email: npreston@fmschools.org

The Library Collection

Wellwood Library holds over 18,000 books, videos, DVDs, and recorded books. The library also subscribes to over 20 magazines. Library materials are chosen to support the Wellwood curriculum and to serve the interests of students. About one-third of the book collection is fiction. The remainder—non-fiction (including biography) and reference—is organized by the Dewey Decimal system.

The Library Curriculum

At Wellwood, "library" is a program as well as a place. During their years at Wellwood, students visit the library with their teachers to learn about books and reading and also to engage in lessons and projects that develop research skills. These include traditional skills such as locating relevant books and materials, using indexes, taking notes, and preparing citations. Students are also actively taught skills for the effective use of electronic resources such as Web searching, evaluation of Web sites, use of online databases for magazine and newspaper articles and other specific content, and more.

Electronic Resources

»  Internet. Students search the World Wide Web to find information on all topics. Students must follow district policy when using the Internet in the library.

»  Library Web Site. At school or at home, students may use the library site to find:

• The online catalog (for looking up books and checking library accounts).
• Information about the library.
• Lists of good books to read.
• Guides to Interrnet searching.
• Links to recommended sites for all subject areas.
• Links to online services (see below).

»  Online Services. Online services are databases on the Internet available only to subscribers. Wellwood Library provides access to many online services for students and staff to use at school and at home. Many of these services are also available at the Fayetteville and Manlius public libraries.

Online services contain thousands of articles from encyclopedias, reference books, magazines, and newspapers. The information they offer is authoritative, free of advertising, and appropriate for middle school use.  Online services are a safe and focused alternative to search engines.

Most online services require a password for home use. Call or visit the library for instructions.

Access to the Library

»  Library Hours.  The library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day that school is open. The library Web site, including the catalog and all online resources, may be used anytime students have access to the Web.

»  Visiting the Library
Individually.  Students may come to the library any time with a pass from their classroom or study hall teacher.  Students coming to the library should have something to do, such as homework, research, asking for information, reading, or selecting a book.

With Classes.  Students also visit the library during the year with classroom groups for research projects or book programs.

After School.  On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the library is open during the enrichment period (2:50-3:30).  Students sign themselves in and do not need a pass. They should arrive by 2:50, have something to do, and stay until the 3:30 dismissal.

Read-Aloud Club.  Library Read-Aloud Club is an invitation to relax at the end of the week and listen to a good book being read by Mrs. Preston.  The club meets on Fridays, and all students are welcome, even if they cannot attend each week. 

From Home.  The library Web page allows students to continue many research activities at home.  The "Search the Catalog" tab provides online access to the complete book catalog.  The Web page also offers links of recommended sites for all subject areas, access to the online databases (see above), lists of books to read, and other library-related information.

Borrowing Library Materials

Borrowing Privileges.  Students may have up to five books checked out at any time.  The loan period is two weeks, and most books may be renewed as many times as necessary.  (Loans to staff are unlimited.)  Reference books, magazines, and videos circulate overnight only.  Date due cards are placed in the pocket of each book checked out. Students are responsible for keeping track of what they have borrowed and when items are due.

Overdues.  Twice each marking period, overdue reminders are sent to students through their homerooms.  Wellwood Library does not charge fines. However, when a book is "long overdue" (overdue for more than a month, for example) at the end of a marking period, or if a book is outstanding on the last day of school, the student's report card may be held until the book is returned. Books that are lost or damaged beyond repair must be paid for. 

Interlibrary Loan. Sometimes, books are borrowed from other schools through interlibrary loan (ILL). The due date for ILL materials is written on a card in the book pocket. These books should be treated very carefully and returned to Wellwood Library promptly.

This page last updated 4/2010

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