Welcome! This page contains information about the most common questions I receive as well as any tutorials I have created to support students during distance learning. If you have a question, but can't find it here, please contact me!
What do I do with books I still have at home from last year?
- If you have school library books at home that you are no longer reading (from PJHS or from your elementary school) you can turn them in to the book drop inside the library (it's a slot in the counter at the front).
Where is the Library?
- The library is located directly behind the main office.
When can I come to the library?
- The library is open from 8am to 3pm every weekday except for Wednesdays when we close at 2pm for staff meetings. Special events and programs do occasionally impact our hours and services as well, so make sure you listen to our morning announcements!
What can I do in the library?
You can:
- Check out books and read
- Access databases and carry out research
- Study by yourself or with friends
- Create things in our Makerspace during lunch
- Print required school assignments (We request a 10 cent donation per page to help us cover paper and ink. It is not required.)
- Play group games (board games and puzzles are on the shelves across from the couch)
- Ask Ms. Hazen for help
- Participate in library programs and special events like author talks, crafternoons, book club and more!
- Visit the library as part of your class to learn about evaluating and using information as well as learning skills to responsibly share the information that's important to you through things like podcasts, infographics, videos and more!
What do I need to check out books?
- Books are checked out using your student ID number. The easiest way to check out books is to bring your ID card and the book(s) you want to the circulation desk so both can be scanned. If you forgot your ID card you can still check out books by telling me your 5 digit student ID number so it's good to have that number memorized!
How many books can I check out?
You may check out up to 5 library books at a time.
How can I find a book?
- All the books in our library can be quickly located using the library catalog. Just go to our homepage and click on the "Check Out Books" icon for step by step directions!
- If you'd rather browse the shelves, you can find fiction books on the shelves up against the walls. The genres are posted on the signs above the shelves and include Realistic, Action/Adventure/Sports, Mystery/Suspense, Humor, Romance/Relationships, and Science Fiction/Fantasy. There is also sections for Graphic Novels, Picture Books and books in Spanish. Non Fiction can be found in the two standing shelves. This includes Biographies and books on a wide variety of topics!
- If you need reading recommendations, ask Ms. Hazen!
How long can I keep my books? How do I know when they're due?
Books are checked out for 3 weeks at a time and can be renewed once either in person or online by signing in to your account on Destiny Discover. If you have had the book 6 weeks and still want to keep it, you can renew it a 3rd time only if no one else has requested the book. The due date for the book should be stamped inside the front cover. You can also find a list of books on your account and their due date(s) by logging in to our online catalog (Destiny Discover).
Can I help in the library?
Yes! You can help in the library before school, at break, at lunch and/or after school. Duties include checking in and out books, helping other students with printing and assisting in the makerspace. There is a sign up sheet at the circulation desk. Ms. Hazen also accepts a small number of 8th grade teaching assistants. these TAs spend their elective period in the library and are responsible for re-shelving books, helping to design and run library programs, creating posts for our library social media accounts and helping with other tasks that keep the library running smoothly. See Ms. Hazen if you have questions!
Can I check out books even if I have an overdue book?
Yes, but you can not exceed your 5 book maximum. You will need to find and return the book or pay for the lost materials before the end of the year or you will not be able to participate in the end of year activities like 7th Grade Fun Day or the 8th Grade Field Trip.
Do you charge fines for overdue books?
No. As long as the book is returned prior to the end of the school year, the overdue fines will be excused. (Please note that overdue fines and lost book fines will show on a student's account and emailed overdue notices until the book is returned or the fine is paid!)
What do I do if I lost or damaged a book?
The first thing to do if you lost a book is to double check areas where you might have left the book. This includes the vehicle(s) you take to and from school, under and behind your bed, in each of your classrooms (especially classes where you have SSR), and inside your backpack. It's also a good idea to check the school's lost and found box in the office. If you have looked everywhere you can think of, and can't find the book, you will need to either pay for the book or purchase and bring in a replacement copy. Replacement copies need to be similar to the original (hardbacks need to be replaced with hardbacks) and in good condition. Damaged books should be brought to Ms. Hazen to determine if the book can be repaired and at what cost. If the book is damaged beyond repair, the book will need to be paid for or replaced. (If families can not afford to pay a book fine, the student should talk to Ms. Hazen.)
Can I check out something for my best friend?
It's not a good idea! If your friend loses or damages the book YOU will be responsible for paying for it and YOU are the one who won't be able to attend year end activities if the fine isn't paid. Your friend can check out their own book(s) even if they forgot their ID card (just have them see Ms. Hazen).
What programs and services does the library offer?
In addition to checking out books, the library provides individual and group study areas, limited school supplies (pencils, pens, paper, colored pencils, pens and rulers that can be used in the library), black and white printing (school assignments only, 10 cents per page donation requested to cover ink and paper costs) and reading areas. We also offer a rich variety of programs including Makerspace Crafternoons, Mindful Friday Mornings, after school Book Clubs and more!
How do I create an Overdrive Account?
- Your student ID is also a public library card!! It's called the OneCard program and you can learn more about how to use your OneCard by visiting https://sonomalibrary.org/student-onecard
- Username: pcsXXXXX (replace the X's with the last 5 numbers of your student ID! You can find your ID number on your printed class schedule or online in Aeries)
- Password: Four digits of your birth year (ex: 2008)
I need a password for a database or school subscription. Where can I find it?
- I've put all our passwords into one Google Doc. Make sure you're signed in to your school Google Account (only people with petk12 email addresses can view the document!
How do I get in touch with Ms. Hazen?
The best way to get ahold of Ms. Hazen is through email: [email protected]
Students are also welcome to stop by the library in person to ask questions (patience may be needed if she is helping other students).
Students are also welcome to stop by the library in person to ask questions (patience may be needed if she is helping other students).