Providing library and research resources for Sherwood’s schools, students, and staff
With the guidance of Library Media staff, all students are encouraged to check out books of interest. This fosters a culture of inquiry and curiosity while supporting every student’s unique reading strengths, needs, and interests, thus enhancing academic achievement and promoting intellectual, emotional, and personal growth in our students.
PK-5th grade students visit the Library Media Center weekly to listen to stories and learn about books, authors, and illustrators. Students in grades 6th-12th may go to the Library Media Center independently during lunch and before/after school. At times, students visit the library as part of a classroom activity.
Oregon School Library Standards and Indicators
The Oregon School Library standards are designed to meet the needs of students and prepare them for life in the 21st Century. Information literacy, Reading Engagement, and Social Responsibility are important for our students’ success. The new School Library Standards provide direction so that the needs of this new generation of learners can be met.
Click here to review Library Standards and Indicators
Library Catalog Links
Ridges Elementary School
Library Media Center Policies
In accordance with Board Poicy ILA and JN, and to assure consistency and standardization throughout the district, the following guidelines will be adhered to.
Circulation
For consistency and equitable access to print materials, schools will follow the established circulation limits.
Kindergarten-1st Students – may check out one book a week; due in 1 week
2nd-5th Students – may check out two books; due in 2 weeks
6th-12th Students – may check out three books; due in 3 weeks
Note: Students who participate in building or district reading challenges may have increased circulation limits.
Holds and Renewals
Students may place holds on books they are interested in reading.
A book may be renewed unless another student has placed a hold on the particular book. The book must be brought back to the Library Media Center to be renewed.
Lost and Damaged Materials
Throughout the school year students learn about book care as they visit the Library Media Center. However, accidents happen and items are occasionally damaged. In these cases we urge students to take the book to the library media coordinator as soon as possible. We ask that book repairs not be attempted by the student or parent.
If a book is lost or damaged beyond repair, the cost of the replacement book will be assessed. If families prefer, they may bring in a new replacement book of the same title and same format (e.g. hardbound is replaced with hardbound) within 90 days of the fee assessment date and the fee will be removed.
Overdue Materials
Overdue notices are sent out on a regular basis to make students and parents aware of books that need to be turned in. These occur weekly for elementary and middle school aged students. Students will not be allowed to check out additional library items once their maximum allowable number of items is reached.
Once a book has been overdue for 30 days it is considered lost and a fine for the replacement cost will be assessed. If the book is found after a payment, students may keep the book and add it to their home collection. Alternatively, if it is in good condition it may be returned to the school’s library media coordinator within 90 days of the fee assignment and a refund will be issued to the original form of payment.
Student Withdrawal
Any items checked out to the student at the time of withdrawal must be returned or paid for upon withdrawal.
Library Material Fees and Fines
Sherwood does not charge late fees for overdue books; however, in accourdance with Board Policy JN, fines will be assessed for lost books or books that are damaged beyond repair. The replacement cost will be added to the student’s account. Parents will be notified when the charge has been added and may make payment online via their ParentVue account or replace the item as outlined in the Library Media Center Lost and Damaged Materials policy.
Reconsideration of School Library Materials
In addition to following our Board Policy IIA the Teaching and Learning Department will follow the process outlined in this guidance when there is a request of reconsideration (exclusion) of library materials.
Public Library Partnership
Student Public Library Card Partnership
We’re excited to share that our school is working with the Sherwood Public Library to give students access to more books! By joining this optional program, your child can get a free public library card. With this card, they can borrow books and other materials from any Washington County library. Plus, they can read ebooks and audiobooks right on their school computer using a special app called SORA.
If you want your child to be part of this program, you can opt-in. We will send an e-signature form to all families via ParentSquare.
Please note that library cards will be ready to use in January 2025. For more information, see our FAQ.