ENTRANCE CORNER

Adjacent to the doors of the library is a corner that features a number of favorite book characters inviting the children to follow them to the library.

LIBRARY HELPING HANDS

As you enter the library, you see a list of the students who are the special helpers in the library for the week. The helpers give out the library rulers, show the students how to correctly go to the reading pit, and stamp the books with the date due upon check out. Each student gets at least one turn to be helper in a year.

CARD CATALOG

The library maintains a card catalog for the students to use as well as the automated catalog accessed in the "Computer Corner" and the four computers located near the card catalog, for a total of eight computers available for student use. The card catalog allows an entire class to search the catalog at one time, making our catalog resources more available to all users.

FICTION SECTION

On the right side of the library as you enter is the Fiction Section. The Nonfiction Section is on the left. The library has ten student tables where each student gets an assigned seat every year.

ACCELERATED READER FICTION

The Accelerated Reader fiction books are located on special shelves, where they are organized according to AR level. This makes it much easier for students to locate the AR books that are appropriate for them.

READING PIT (LEFT)

During many library visits, the students listen to stories and lessons in the reading pit. The striking mural was painted by Ms. Mary Wild, a former Whispering Forest parent. The characters depicted in the mural were chosen through a school-wide student vote.

READING PIT (RIGHT)

Pictured here is the librarian's end of the reading pit with her reading chair. Behind the chair the rules for the reading pit are posted. They are: "Ears listening, eyes watching, hands still, feet quiet, lips closed."

REFERENCE, PERIODICALS, AND ART PRINTS

A part of the Nonfiction Section is dedicated to reference books and periodicals that may not be circulated from the library. Also there is a large selection of art prints available for teachers to use with their art instruction.

LIBRARY COMPUTERS

Students use the computers to search the Library Catalog. Also, students are instructed in the use of the Internet by researching assigned topics during library classes.

Students may also take AR tests in the library.

CIRCULATION DESK

Before leaving the library with a book, all students and patrons must pass by the circulation desk to check out. The computer here is the manager of library data. Library helpers enjoy using the stamp pad on the bottom right to stamp the due dates on their classmates' books.

LIBRARY STORE

The library sells folders, pencils, erasers, pens, pencil grips, pencil sharpeners, key chains, wallets, pencil cases, and various school supplies. Students may purchase items before school and during recess periods.

LLIBRARY MASCOTSRY

The library uses three mascots to reinforce and encourage good library behavior. Pictured left to right are: Friendly Freddy Frog who reminds the students to treat people and books with respect and care; Mr. Wiggle who watches student behavior during their library class and dances if the class has had good behavior; and Shush Puppy who reminds the students to be quiet in the library.