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Barbara Jordan Early College Prep School Library

The Barbara Jordan Early College Prep School Library's main goal is to help all scholars become life-long readers and effective users of information. Our library continues to grow thanks to some generous donations from the Jaguar Fund and from some matching donations from their businesses! If you work for a company that provides matching donations, please consider donating to purchase more library books! All Austin ISD Libraries have a renewed focus on helping scholars to love reading. Librarians are committed to supporting the Superintendent’s reading initiative for AISD to “blow the cover off of reading!” by providing scholars with access to exciting books and innovative technology. Please check out our website regularly to see the latest programs and events at our library.

Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a literature-based reading motivation and management program that is designed to get students to read and to help teachers monitor their students’ reading comprehension. Students read books, take quizzes, earn points based on correct answers and earn incentives and recognition for their class and grade level. All 2nd – 5th grade scholars at Jordan are enrolled to participate in this program. Scholars also learn to use the AR BookFinder website to locate books in our library that have AR quizzes. For more information about the program, please visit the AR website.

Book It!

Book It! and Book It! Beginners are reading motivation programs sponsored by Pizza Hut. In Book It, students read daily and keep a reading log, from October through March, to earn coupons for free pizzas. In Book It! Beginners, teachers read aloud to younger students daily for eight weeks in March and April to encourage a love of books and reading. For more information about the Pizza Hut Book It! Program, please visit the Book It! website.

Reading is Fundamental (RIF)

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is a literacy program that provides 2 books per school year to Barbara Jordan scholars and countless other children in the US. It is funded by donations from our school’s Partners in Education and by other RIF program sponsors. Our school library hosts 2 RIF weeks every academic year. Each RIF week has a different theme. Our scholars LOVE our RIF program because it is fun, engaging, and they get to choose a quality book for their very own! Check back at our school website to hear more information and to see pictures of our RIF weeks. For more information about RIF or if you would like to donate money to the RIF program, please visit the BookSpring- Reading Is Fundamental website.

Tech Training for Teachers

The Librarian, campus Educational Technology Resource Coordinator, and other faculty members are working to help teachers incorporate technology into their lesson plans. Teachers will have many opportunities throughout the school year to attend professional development sessions in the library and computer lab to help them learn about new technology resources. Austin ISD also offers many classes on different types of technology resources through the Professional Development e-Campus.

Check Out Policies

Barbara Jordan scholars and parents are welcome to check out books from our wonderful library. A signed permission slip must be on file and library guests must meet with the librarian to have a short library orientation and to review book care expectations before books can be checked out. Books are due back in two weeks, but patrons may return them earlier to check out new books. Scholars are encouraged to choose books at their appropriate reading level and are taught how to use the “Five Finger Rule”. When scholars use this method, they can determine for themselves if they are able to read the words in the book without assistance. If they encounter five or more words that they cannot read, this indicates that the book may be beyond their current reading level and they should probably look for a different book. The number of books scholars may check out varies by grade level. Please see the list below for more information:

Pre-Kindergarten

Pre-K scholars are not able to check out books for themselves until the spring semester (January) after they have learned about library and book care expectations. In the spring they are able to check out 1 book every two week period and may be able to check out up to 2 books based on the discretion of the Librarian and classroom teacher.

Kindergarten - 1st Grade

Kinder - 1st grade scholars may check out 2 books every two week period after they have reviewed library and book care expectations with the Librarian. The number of books they are able to check out may be increased after scholars have demonstrated responsibility and proper book care skills.

2nd Grade - 5th Grade

2nd – 5th grade scholars begin the school year by checking out 2 books after they have reviewed library and book care expectations with the Librarian. The number of books they are able to check out may be increased to 4 after scholars have demonstrated responsibility and proper book care skills.

Parents and Guardians

Parents may check out up to 5 books per registered child at Jordan Elementary. We encourage all of our parents to visit the library to check out books to read with their children at home. Books are due back in two weeks, but patrons may return them earlier to check out other books.

Overdue Policy

We do not charge fines for overdue books, but we encourage students and parents to return books on time. Patrons with overdue books are blocked from further checkouts. Scholars are required to pay for lost or damaged books. Money will be refunded if the book is found and returned in good condition. Scholars may not be allowed to participate in special school events, attend field trips, or receive their report cards if they owe money for lost or damaged books.