Field Trip: The Library (RPL)This is a featured page

Field Trip Summary: The Regina Public Library!
(Amy)

Lessons:
Pre-Lesson [Librarian Visits]
During Lesson [Library Scavenger Hunt]
Post-Lesson [Thank You]

Contact Information / Location
: There are many library branches throughout the city, all of which are happily willing and able to take groups of students. However, the Central library downtown has an entire floor dedicated to children’s books and storytelling. To book a session in the library, simply call the branch office, and they will be happy to work with you to find a convenient time. The numbers for all of the city branches are as follows:

Central Library
2311 12th Avenue
Phone: 777-6030 (Children’s)
Fax: 949-7260
Albert Library
1401 Robinson Street
Phone: 777-6076
Fax: 949-7265
Connaught Library
3435 13th Avenue
Phone: 777-6078
Fax: 949-7266
George Bothwell Library
Southland Mall, 2965 Gordon Road
Phone: 777-6091
Fax: 949-7267
Glen Elm Library
1601 Dewdney Avenue East
Phone: 777-6080
Fax: 949-7268
Prince of Wales Library
2188 Broder Street
Phone: 777-6085
Fax: 949-7272
Regent Place Library
107 Albert Street
Phone: 777-6086
Fax: 949-7269
Sherwood Village Library
6121 Rochdale Blvd.
Phone: 777-6088
Fax: 949-7270
Sunrise Library
3130 E. Woodhams Drive
Phone: 777-6095
Fax: 949-7271
Website Index: (http://reginalibrary.ca/locations/).

Cost: Visiting the library is free of charge! However, potential costs to be aware of:
  • Library cards are free of charge. However, if a card is lost, there is a $3.00 replacement fee.
  • Overdue fines on books must be paid by the cardholder. (Children’s books generally do not receive late fees, however!)
  • Parking, especially downtown, is usually not free. If the desired branch is too far away to make this a walking trip, come prepared for this. The meters downtown have a two hour maximum.

Advance Notice Required: The staff at the libraries are very accommodating, and want to make visits work with schools. However, some advance notice is required, to ensure that they will have the necessary amount of staff required for that day, and that other classes and groups have not booked the space already. Library staff members can also come to visit classrooms, and again, notice is required.

It is possible to request that materials on a certain theme can be set aside and displayed before the class arrives. This setup requires a three day advance notice; at least the same amount of time, but preferably more, is suggested for class tours.

General Summary:
The possibilities for a library visit are boundless. However, a library staff member detailed a typical visit for young groups of children and students to Central Children’s:
  • To book a trip, contact the Central office (or whichever branch is desired.) Explain the purpose of the trip, and the approximate number of students who will be attending. There, the staff member will happily talk you through the desired program (any themes? What grade level?) and work with you to arrange a day to come in.
  • When a group enters, they are typically greeted by a library staff member. They are taken to the storytelling room, which contains many different books, a stage, and a puppet theatre. This portion generally lasts for half an hour, and the staff do an amazing job.
  • Then, the students are taken on a mini tour of the library. They are shown how to look for books, how to use the computer stations, where toys are located, etc.
  • Finally, students have the opportunity to freely explore the area and sign out a book on their own. It is strongly encouraged that students sign up for their cards before this visit, to save a rush of signups and information shuffling; however, if this is not possible, the staff is happy to accommodate. (They encourage teachers to let them know ahead of time if this will be the case.)

Grade Level / Curriculum Connection:
Any grade will work! The library, thanks to its extensive catalogue, can justify a visit in every grade level, from pre-kindergarten until grade twelve. Young students (such as grade one or two) can learn about the library itself throughout the community strand of social studies: students can learn that people belong in groups, that groups require co-operative behaviour and sharing, and that the library is a central part to our community. Later grades can delve more deeply into this, but they can also take a trip to the library with the intension of focusing on a particular theme.

Grade Two
has the greatest focus on the library’s role:
  • Identity: Classroom and school community; our community. What role does the library play in our community? What about the school library in the school community? What responsibilities do we have as another member of that community?
  • Heritage: The local community then and now. What is the history of the library?
  • Interdependence: Communities meet needs and wants. What services does the library provide? (Far more than book loaning!)
  • Decision Making: Rules. What rules do places such as libraries have? Why is it important to follow them?

Classroom Outreach Opportunities:
The library is very committed to helping both students and teachers in as many ways as possible. The best way to find out how they can meet your particular needs is to contact them. Some notables:
  • The RPL has an extensive website with an section dedicated to young children and their parents and teachers, entitled KidSpace. Students can find homework help online, and everyone can look to see what programs the library will be offering.
  • (http://www.reginalibrary.ca/kidspace/index.html).
  • Teachers can ask a library to set aside books on a selected topic to be taken into their classrooms by contacting the Central Children’s Library. At least three day’s notice is required for this service.
  • Teachers may also acquire a separate library card for professional use. This may come in handy while taking books out for extended periods of time and in great amounts. They may be attained at any branch location. Proof of employment is required for both obtaining and renewing the card.
  • A library staff member can come visit the classroom! They can lead sessions, do readings and help teach concepts about the library upon request.

Other Helpful Tips: What can I say? The library – any library – is an amazing place. You could even get married there! (Well, maybe that’s just me who would do that.) One suggestion? Take advantage of the other services the library provides, both with a class... and for yourself!




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