About the Hughes Library/Media Center

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the library.

When may I visit the Library?

• From 7:15 am until 7:25 to check out or return books or print assignments. Students must be in class by 7:25.
• During class with an offical library pass that is signed by a teacher and describes the reason for your visit.
• During lunch with a library pass from the cafeteria. EAT YOUR LUNCH FIRST!! If no passes are available, the library is closed.
• After school on Mondays until 3:30 for or Wednesdays until 4:00.

May I visit the library during ATL?

The following rules apply during ATL:

• Students may visit the library during ATL on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays WITH an official library pass describing the reason for the visit that is signed by the ATL teacher AND the teacher assigning the work.
• Students checking out books or printing will get five minutes to complete their tasks.
• Students without a correct pass will be sent back to class.
• No more than four students may come to the library from one class.
• Computer use during ATL is restricted to assignments.

How is the Library arranged? Library materials are organized according to the Dewey Decimal System, which is the same system used in FCPS elementary schools.. Our library has the following sections: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Short Story, Books-On-Tape/CD, Foreign Language Books, Reference, Professional Collection; Periodicals, Audiovisuals.

Do I need a library card?

Yes, all students have a card on file in the library.

How do I check out a book?

Just bring your selection to the circulation desk give your name to the person on duty..

How many books may I check out?

With a few exceptions, sudents may check out as many books as they can manage responsibly. Only two graphic novels may be checked out at a time.

How long may I keep a book?

Books are checked out for 3 weeks and may be renewed for an additional 3 weeks.

Is it OK to check out books that are on display?

Absolutely! That is why we put books on display.

I have overdue books, may I check out more books?

Students with one overdue item may check out one item at a time until the item is returned or paid for.

Are there fines for overdue material?

At this time, there are no fines for overdue material.

What happens if I lose a book?

If you lose a book, you will be charged the cost of the book - even if the dog chews it or a friend loses it. See a member of the Library Staff for the actual costs of a lost book.

Where do I return books?

You may return books to the "book return" slot in the circulation desk.

May I borrow magazines or newspapers?

Current issues of magazines and newspapers are to be used in the library and may not be checked out. Earlier issues may be checked out for one week.

Can I volunteer in the library?

We love to have both student and parent volunteers. We have an "Adopt-A-Shelf" program and a few students get to help behind the circulation desk. Talk to Ms. Noble or Ms. Perreault. Volunteering in the library is a good way to save up hours for NJHS, to earn a Hughes letter, or to save up IBMYP volunteer hours!

What can I use the library computers for?

Students may use the computers in the library for:

• Searching the Library Online Catalog for FCPS resources.
• Searching the Internet for specific research assignments.
• Searching the FCPS Online Databases.

Is there anything I can't use the school computers for?

Students may use library computers to access personal e-mail accounts or to check personal e-mail messages only to access school work. STUDENTS MAY NOT DO ANY SORT OF INSTANT MESSAGING ON LIBRARY COMPUTERS!! YouTube use is restricted unless supervised by a teacher.

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