School Library Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do books get returned and checked in at the library?
A: Library books are returned directly to the library.  Library staff will then process library book returns throughout the day.  Textbooks should be returned directly to library to ensure that the text returned was checked-out in the student’s name.  It is not uncommon for textbooks to become mixed up in class.  Students are responsible for ensuring the book checked out to them is returned.    

Q. How does my child find out about any books that are overdue?
A. The librarian periodically sends check-out, overdue, and fine notices via e-mail and printed notice.  Students may check their individual accounts by visiting the [library.lodiusd.net]library website and logging into their account.  Click on the bars at the top left of the screen and select check-out. 

Q. How should my child return their overdue items?
A. Students should return the item to the school library themselves. Remember that the school library does not charge overdue fines. Books from any other Lodi USD school may also be returned at Christa McAuliffe Middle School. 

Q. How do parents find out about overdue items and/or fines?
A. The librarian sends email notices quarterly to help keep parents in the loop. These notices are sent to the primary email address LUSD has on file. Printed notices are also sent quarterly to each student.  

Q. I got an overdue email from the library but I think that my child already returned the book to school. Why?
A. Sometimes items don’t make it all the way back to the library (see question 1 above). The most common reasons are:
1. A mistake was made during check-in (occasionally). If you receive an email, check with your child, but don’t panic. Communication between home and library is essential.
2.  If the book in question is a textbook, it is likely that the student returned a textbook, but it was not the textbook originally checked out to the student.  Please double check at home and in school classrooms to ensure the book is not misplaced.   

Q. I think that there was a mistake during book check-in. What should I do?
A. If your child is sure that their book was returned to the library, email the librarian at scrane@lodiusd.net. She will check the library shelves and let you know if the book is there. If it is, she will check it in. If not, your family should search the classroom and at home. The library takes every step possible to ensure that mistakes don’t happen, but they occur occasionally. Communication is the key to resolving these situations.

Q. My child lost a book. What should I do?
A. Look for the book (see the lost books topic for suggestions) and return it ASAP if found. Do not pay for the book until you receive a bill. The librarian marks books as “lost” and sends bills after books are at least 21 days overdue. If you receive a bill, pay for the lost item with cash or check in the library, but keep looking. The librarian will refund payments for lost items if they are returned in good condition.

Q:  Can I place a hold on a book?
A:  Yes.  You can either tell the Library Specialist which book you would like to put a hold on OR you can place the hold yourself online.  Just go to the library page, click "login" at the top, type in the name of the book that you would like to put a hold on, click on the title, then "hold it".

Q:  How many books may I check out at once?
A:  Five.