Library Resource Centre
Mackay West State School operates two school libraries, one each at the Junior and Senior Campus. The aim of our school library is to encourage and support Learning and Literacy. Our library motto is "Literacy is for Life."
Literacy and reading are clearly linked. Consequently, each class visits the library on a weekly basis to borrow reading material. However, as the library is also open at break times students have many other additional opportunities to borrow, if they wish. While the borrowing period is set at two weeks, students who need extra time are able to extend the borrowing period. Overdue notices are sent to classes on a weekly basis. Lost or damaged items are either replaced or funds provided for a replacement copy.
Much effort has gone into the creation of a comfortable and inviting reading area and atmosphere in the library and to ensuring that the Library Collection is up-to-date and responsive to student needs. The academic literature clearly indicates that students are more likely to engage with reading when the material is responsive to their needs and interests. Where possible, library staff seek student assistance in the selection process of new reading materials. A wide range of popular magazines is provided to encourage recreational reading. Diverse strategies are employed to foster a love of reading.
A Scholastic Book fair is held each May. While making a positive contribution to a reading culture, the Bookfair commission is also very important in enabling our Libraries to purchase additional resources. Students nominate their favourite book from the Bookfair and these are added to the collection. This ensures relevancy for student readers. Bookfair is also a wonderful opportunity for us to work closely with our parent community.
An excellent selection of non-fiction has also been provided to assist with research based learning activities. Students also have access to a number of networked library computers, which teachers utilise, for independent student learning activities. The Internet and a wide range of educational based games is also available on all library computers. It is important that our students be exposed to a wide range of resources and learning technologies.
A diverse blend of activities is provided for students before school and during the lunch breaks. These include educational computer games, accessing the Internet, recreational reading, construction activities using building blocks, reading the local newspapers, playing board games and completing puzzles.
The Library co-ordinates a wide range of displays and special events and activities designed to support student literacy and learning. The school community is kept up-to-date with library activities and issues through a regular segment in the school's fortnightly eNewsletter. There are special days which are celebrated or commemorated include;
Anzac Day,
Harmony Day,
Remembrance Day,
Other significant events include The Great Book Swap, a national event; run in conjunction with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. The school hosts a book swap to raise funds for Books in remote indigenous communities.
Another national event is Bookweek, facilitated by the Children's Book Council of Australia, (CBCA). The library uses the CBCA Shortlisted books for a variety of activities. Each year a whole school Bookweek parade is held where students come dressed in costume.
Meerkat Drama Productions. Each year this organisation selects a book from the CBCA Shortlisted Titles to develop into a dramatic performance, which is then toured throughout public libraries. Mackay West Libraries gain access to these excellent productions through our long-standing co-operative and collaborative relationship with the Mackay Regional Council Libraries.
Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival is held every July and provides student access to Australia's best authors, illustrators and performance artists. Mackay West has taken over 150 students every year since the Festival's inception fourteen years ago. The Mackay West P n C Association fully subsidises travel costs.
The Mackay West School Library has an excellent collaborative and co-operative relationship with the Young Peoples' Section of the Mackay Regional Council Libraries. (MRCL) There are two key elements of this program, involving Mackay West students:
1. PAL (Preps at the Library):
We encourage and assist every Prep student to join their public library by providing application forms. The Young Peoples Librarian from MRCL visits Mackay West Junior Campus to conduct a Story time session with the Preps. Individual library cards are then distributed. Both Library sectors recognise that Literacy is a common focus and that we share the same clientele/students.
2. Library Monitor Program:
The Library also operates a very successful Library Monitor Program, which is available to Year 6 students. Each year the Young Peoples' Librarian from MRCL participates in our school Induction Ceremony whereby Library Monitors are recognised and presented with their leadership badges.
Our Library Monitor Program has five main aims:
- Providing volunteer support
- Increasing ICT skills
- Providing alternative forms of leadership
- Development of personal skills
- Forming strategic alliances with other school and public libraries
School libraries have a very positive impact on student learning through reading. Our aim is to ensure that the Library is multi-functional and a focal point for student learning and literacy development.