Help! My child lost a library book!
or
Help, my child threw our library out the window when we were driving down the interstate! What do I do? (yes, this really happened)
1. Don't panic. It happens and we know that, and we are certainly NOT angry.
2. For a lost book, look under things in your child's room--under beds, under clothes, under the TV and so on. Check the car, and double check the book bag.
3. If you still can't find it, have your child double check at school. Perhaps it has already been turned in to the library and your child just forgot (that happens also, all the time!) Was there a trip to Grandma's house, where the book could have been left? Tumbling lessons? Think where the child has been and could have left the book.
4. Once you establish the true disappearance of the book, you have two options: replace the book yourself or pay the librarian and she will replace the book. We actually love it if you replace it yourself, and then we only have to process and catalog it. Be sure to find out if it was hardback or paperback as we need you to replace hardbacks with hardback, even though they are more expensive, because paperback books just don't last very long at all. Often you can also find a very good-condition book for a fraction of the retail price online. Some sites to check include Amazon and Half.com, both of which offer used books with condition ratings (you need very good or like new condition). If you'd rather just send money, you will need to contact Mrs. Brunner at the Jr. High as she does the cataloging and processing. She can look up the book and let you know the cost of replacing it.
5. We also know that sometimes unexpected "events" happen to library books, such as Kool-aid, guinea pigs, water bottles and especially puppies! We appreciate your contacting us and letting us know about a damaged book. It is also better if adults can work out the replacement of the book so the child does not feel guilty or ashamed. Everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes younger kids take these accidents very seriously. We want every child to always feel welcome in the library.
or
Help, my child threw our library out the window when we were driving down the interstate! What do I do? (yes, this really happened)
1. Don't panic. It happens and we know that, and we are certainly NOT angry.
2. For a lost book, look under things in your child's room--under beds, under clothes, under the TV and so on. Check the car, and double check the book bag.
3. If you still can't find it, have your child double check at school. Perhaps it has already been turned in to the library and your child just forgot (that happens also, all the time!) Was there a trip to Grandma's house, where the book could have been left? Tumbling lessons? Think where the child has been and could have left the book.
4. Once you establish the true disappearance of the book, you have two options: replace the book yourself or pay the librarian and she will replace the book. We actually love it if you replace it yourself, and then we only have to process and catalog it. Be sure to find out if it was hardback or paperback as we need you to replace hardbacks with hardback, even though they are more expensive, because paperback books just don't last very long at all. Often you can also find a very good-condition book for a fraction of the retail price online. Some sites to check include Amazon and Half.com, both of which offer used books with condition ratings (you need very good or like new condition). If you'd rather just send money, you will need to contact Mrs. Brunner at the Jr. High as she does the cataloging and processing. She can look up the book and let you know the cost of replacing it.
5. We also know that sometimes unexpected "events" happen to library books, such as Kool-aid, guinea pigs, water bottles and especially puppies! We appreciate your contacting us and letting us know about a damaged book. It is also better if adults can work out the replacement of the book so the child does not feel guilty or ashamed. Everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes younger kids take these accidents very seriously. We want every child to always feel welcome in the library.