Library Media Center

    Mission Statement

    Our mission is to create a dynamic media program that facilitates life long learning and promotes a love of reading by working collaboratively with the staff and students to meet the needs of each member of our school community.

    Vision Statement

    Our student-centered library media program seeks to promote a love of reading and to help students learn how to access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of print and non-print sources in order that they may become “skillful consumers and producers of information.”

    To that end, I embrace each of the four interdependent roles of a media specialist as identified by the ALA: teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, and program administrator.

    • As a teacher, I will work with students and other members of the school community to analyze learning and information needs, locate and use resources to meet those needs, and communicate the information the resources provide. Using a variety of strategies such as read alouds, book talks, and individual selection support, I will promote reading for enjoyment.
    • As an instructional partner, I will collaborate with teachers to design and implement authentic learning tasks which integrate information acquisition skills and support the curriculum at each grade level.
    • As an information specialist, I will provide leadership and expertise in acquiring and evaluating information resources; model strategies for locating, accessing, and evaluating information, and demonstrate the ethical use of the information obtained from these sources.
    • As the program administrator, I will work collaboratively with members of the school community to define and implement the policies of the library media program.

    ** Much of the wording in this vision statement is taken directly from pages 2-5 of Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. Chicago: ALA, 1998.

    LMC Policies

    One of the goals of the Bells Mill ES Media Center is to provide all school community members equal and open access to the resources we provide. We strive to emulate the Montgomery County Public Library's book check-out process, encouraging students to exchange books based on their reading speed and interest rather than a certain day -- every day is book day!

    Library Bill of Rights

    The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

    1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
    2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
    3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
    4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
    5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
    6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How many books can students check out at one time?

    • Kindergarten and 1st grade students: 1 book
    • Grades 2-3: 2 books, OR 1 book and a magazine
    • Grades 4-5: 3 books, OR 2 books and a magazine
    • Students must return materials in order to check out new materials
     

    2. How long can they keep the books?

    • Library materials are due in 1 week, but they can be renewed or returned sooner
    • We will not charge overdue fines, but ask that books be returned in a timely fashion so they may be available to all BMES students
     

    3. When can students check out books?

    • Any day before or after school - although we caution kids who take the bus that after school is not necessarily the best time
    • During their scheduled Media Center time
    • During the day with their teacher's permission
    • Lunch/recess if they have a pass
     

    4. Can parents volunteer in the LMC? 

    Absolutely!! We are grateful for all of the help we can get with book processing, shelving and helping students select just the right book! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact JoAnn Floyd.

    LMC Staff

    JoAnn Floyd, Media Specialist
    Hi, my name is Mrs. Floyd, and I am very excited to be your media specialist. I enjoy working with the staff, students, and community members to create a dynamic media center program that meets your needs. Before becoming a media specialist, I was an elementary school teacher. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the classroom, I am equally excited about this chapter in my professional career. My husband and I live in Gaithersburg, MD. We have two wonderful adult children, Christine and Andrew, and an adorable sheepadoodle named Molly.

    Wendy Reiter, Media Assistant
    Mrs. Reiter has had  a long career with our school. She enjoyed more than 15 years working as a para-educator before taking her current position as the media assistant. Previously,  Mrs. Reiter was employed as a law librarian for the federal government.  

    media center

     

    Catalog and Online Research Resources

    Use the Destiny Catalog to browse our collection . The following online resources are also available for your use.   See your teacher or media center staff for passwords. 

    Volunteering in the Media Center

    Are you interested in volunteering at Bells Mill? Please contact JoAnn Floyd. All are welcome.

    Special Occasion Book Club

    Looking for an exciting gift idea? Join the Bells Mill Special Occasion Book Club.