HELLO! WELCOME TO THE LIBRARY.
The WES library is a student-centered, literature rich learning environment that encourages each student to discover their place in our school and community. Lessons incorporate individual and group projects that require students to read, analyze, and expand their vocabulary. Students participate in as many hands-on learning experiences as possible to make the classroom a place where active learning happens.
Our Annual
Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
WES will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair in the library from November 27th - December 4th. Students will have the opportunity to shop the fair during their regularly scheduled library class as well as during a family and friend event after school! Please visit the WES Scholastic Book Fair website for more information or to set up your student's e-wallet.
Maine Chickadee Book Awards
The Chickadee Award: A Maine Children’s Choice Picture Book Project is a picture book award program for children in kindergarten through fourth grade. This award is in its nineteenth year, and is given annually to one of ten picture books nominated by a committee of teachers, librarians, and early literacy professionals, with the winner chosen by Maine school children. The purpose of this award is to encourage children to develop an appreciation for excellence in writing and illustration that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. The evaluation process leading up to voting will help children understand and interpret books and help them to express and support their judgment about text and pictures with convincing evidence. It is hoped that this Maine Children’s Choice Picture Book Project will be incorporated into the curriculum and supported by both school and public libraries. The Maine Association of School Libraries is providing financial support for this project.
LIBRARY POLICIES
Book Check-outs
Students have the opportunity to checkout books every library class. Student choice has been shown to increase reading engagement and excitement therefore students are able to choose any book that interests them including books that may seem "too easy" or "too difficult." In our library we celebrate all types of books and reading!
Lost or damaged books
Elementary school students are learning how to be respectful and responsible borrowers. Please return all damaged books as they can often be repaired. Fines for lost or damaged books are handled on a case by case basis.
LIBRARY CLASS SCHEDULE
2023/2024
Each classroom has a designated library class in the 6 day CORE schedule. Students will have the opportunity to check out books during their scheduled library class. The number of books each student may check out at a time will depend on their grade level and is as follows: grades K, 1, & 2 - 2 books, grades 3 & 4 - 4 books. As the year progresses these limits may be increased. Books are due back the following library class but may be renewed (reborrowed) if a student is not finished with the book so long as someone else doesn't have the book on hold. Because students may have up to 4 books at a time, many students have the opportunity to check out a book even when the forget a library book at home. The library is always available at the very beginning of the day for students to pop in an get a book, even when it is not their regularly scheduled library day.
There are no overdue book fees, but fees may be assessed for lost or damaged books. This is handled on a case by case basis. If a book is damaged please return it to the library and we will do our best to repair it. Please do not attempt to repair books at home. We have all the necessary materials for repair in the library.
LIBRARY SCHEDULE
2023/2024
Day 1
4 - Hopwood
3 - Boucher
K - Duggan
2 - Picard
1 - Johnson
Day 2
4 - Staples
3 - Ramsdell
K - Bastille
2 - Hnatow
1 - Lagasse
Day 3
3/4 - Stapleton
3/4 - Bush
K - Fox
2 - Crovo
1/2 - Clason
Day 4
4 - Clark
3 - Welch-Thompson
K - Block
2 - Blanchard
1/2 - Langelier
Day 5
4 - Lear
3 - Tufts
K - Austin
1 - McPherson
Day 6
4 - Sevigney
3 - Moulton
K - Roche
1 - Talbot
ABOUT THE LIBRARIAN
My name is Kathy Hodge. This is my 5th year as the librarian at Wells Elementary School. I believe everyday is a new opportunity to explore, develop, and discover who we are as people, citizens, and community members and the library is the perfect place to start!
The WES library is not only a place for students to find books, it is a place where students can learn about themselves, others, and the world around us. The library is the heart of our learning community.
When I'm not at school I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, spending time outside, and playing my clarinet in the Strafford Wind Symphony. I look forward to learning new and exciting things with your children here in the library!
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APPROACH TO LITERACY
LITERACY
So much of what a person can accomplish in life depends on their ability to read. Instilling a love of reading and literature takes more than simply reading great books with excitement and passion. It requires helping each child find a purpose for reading and what kinds of literature speak to them. Student choice is an important part of developing a love of reading. Any and every book in the library is available to everyone. I DO allow children to check out books they may not be able to read on their own. After checking out the thickest book in the library and having to carry it around for a week or so many kids decide finding a book they can read and enjoy is more rewarding.
All this being said, the library is more than just a place to find books. We spend time doing research using internet resources, discuss how to keep ourselves safe online, and participate in Makerspace challenges that put our learning into action.
"When you teach what you love and share what you know, you open eyes, minds, hearts and souls to unexplored worlds."
Author Unknown
