Our Library
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto has a well-resourced library which is run by the school librarian, Anne Chin. Please visit the Library Blog for more detailed information about our Library.
How Many Books Can Students Issue?
Classes are timetabled to visit the library each week to read and exchange books. All students are able to borrow 2 books at any one time. Books are issued for 14 days, they can then be re-issued (if there are no reserves on that book) or returned. If no action is taken then these books are classified as ‘overdue’.
Overdue Books
Classrooms are advised every week which students have overdue books. Books that are not returned within 100 days result in a letter requesting payment or replacement of overdue books.
Lost or Damaged Books
If a book is damaged or lost a letter requesting payment or replacement is issued. If there are any concerns over lost books you are welcome to discuss the situation with the class teacher or the librarian in the library. Lost books often turn up.
Reserving a Book
Students can reserve books that have been issued to another student, either at the library or online. For reserving online you will need your personal library ID number. You can request this number when next in the library. You will be notified when your book is available.
Student Librarians and Class Monitors
Year 7 & 8 students are invited to become Student Librarians. Their role is to work in the library at lunch time, issuing, returning, shelving, tidying etc. Year 5 & 6 students have turns being Class Monitors. These students gain experience in the library issuing, returning and shelving their class books during their weekly class visits, under the supervision of an adult.
Library Hours
The library is open at interval 10:30 – 10:50am and Lunch break 12:40 – 1:15pm.
Questions
If you have any questions or library related concerns please email Anne or visit her in the library.
Library Collection
The school’s library collection is composed of:
- A Senior Fiction section for year 7 & 8 students. Included in this section are young adult books, suitable for ages 12+ (Cherub series by Robert Muchamore, Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Tomorrow series by John Marsden etc.).
- An Older Fiction section (where you find the Harry Potter, Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton and Andy Griffiths books).
- A Junior Fiction section for students embarking on their first novels and above (Zac Powers – Judy Moody, Geronimo Stilton and Daisy Meadow Fairy books).
- A collection of Picture Books for the younger reader (although enjoyed by everyone at every level in the school).
- A growing assortment of Sophisticated Picture Books (my personal favourite, books by Shaun Tan, Colin Thompson, William Joyce, Anthony Browne etc.) for year 3 and above.
- A selection of very popular Graphic Novels (like Asterix and Tintin). Some graphic novels however are mainly suitable for senior students and therefore have a year restriction placed on them.
- Maori Myths and Legends, a great assortment of these well loved tales. Many of the books about Maui are by Gavin Bishop.
- Magazines for browsing and light reading.
- A large Non-Fiction area which uses the Dewey Decimal Classification System.