We want your child to borrow lots of books, read widely, and discover the joy of reading for pleasure! Here is how we do it...

The Library Collection

Te Kāmata's Collection includes Fiction and Non-Fiction books, Graphic Novels, Fast Reads, Magazines, the Ngā Taonga Māori collection, World Languages Collection and Picture Books. We aim to have something for everyone!

Book Recommendations

A favourite part of my job is being a "book matchmaker", helping every student to find the perfect book for them. Having read many of the books in our library, I can normally find at least one to suit any individual. Students can also get ideas for great books to read using resources on the Te Kāmata website.  If they are still struggling to find something they want to read, they can always request that I buy a particular book for the library - they can fill out a "Book Recommendation" form at the Issuing Desk.

Library Sessions

Every class visits the library at least once every week. They might take part in a library session or exchange books & have some reading time, or perhaps undertake general classroom work. We offer a range of reading promotion sessions throughout the year, e.g. "Speed Dating Books" and "Genre Bingo", as well as the more traditional Book Talks.

Aside from reading promotion sessions, classes might also participate in a range of Research Skills sessions in Te Kāmata e.g. how to evaluate information and how to avoid plagiarising.

Te Kāmata Library Catalogue

All students attend Te Kāmata Orientation sessions at the beginning of the year and have practice at using the Catalogue to find the location and availability of items in the Heaton library. The Catalogue also features book reviews that can help steer students in the direction of their next great read.

Borrowing

Students can borrow up to six items at once, but if they want more they just need to ask. As long as they don't have any overdue items, the answer will be "yes".

The standard loan period for books is three weeks, and for graphic novels & magazines the loan period is one week. Loans can be renewed as long as there are no reserves on that item. We don't charge fines for overdue items, but we do want students to return their overdue books in a timely fashion so other students can borrow them.

Managing Overdues

It would be greatly appreciated if you could help your child manage any overdue items they might have by reminding them to either renew or return overdues if required.

Library Overdue Notices are sent by email and are generated automatically by the Library Management System. The 1st Overdue Notice is sent when the item is two weeks overdue and is sent just to the student's Heaton email - we don't want to bother parents unnecessarily! This is a "friendly reminder" and asks the student to either renew their loan or return the item. Ideally the student takes some action at this point - but if not a 2nd Overdue Notice and then a 3rd & Final Overdue Notice will be generated and copied to one parent/caregiver, as well as being sent to the student.

Scholastic Book Club

The first issue of the Scholastic “Book Club” for 2024 is now available. Students can pick up a copy from the Library Issuing Desk, or you can view the publication online. Scholastic Book Club gives you the opportunity to buy books for your child, many at discounted prices, with 15% of your order value going back to the school - so we can buy more new books for the library!

Place your Scholastic Book Club order online using the LOOP app.

If you would like to contact me with feedback or questions about Te Kāmata, the school library, my email is Bonifacej@heaton.school.nz