Lending Library FAQs

Reading Seed photo

Who can check out books from Reading Seed’s Lending Library?

Books can be checked out by Reading Seed coaches and other community literacy providers and volunteers. Teachers and librarians from all school districts and charter schools are also encouraged to use the Lending Library. If you don’t fall into one of these categories, contact the Library Manager for more information.

Why should I use Reading Seed’s Lending Library? How is it different?

Reading Seed’s Lending Library has low level/high interest books for children and teens. All the books in the Lending Library are “leveled” according to the Fountas and Pinnell system. Each book is assigned a letter of the alphabet with “A” books being the easiest to read and “Z” books the hardest. Levels are assigned based on the number of words per page, the difficulty of the vocabulary and the content of the book. Most books are also rated by grade level for both reading and interest. Reading_level_comparison_chart

Our coaches have found that students are much more likely to read and enjoy reading when provided with interesting books that are written for their developmental level and that they can feel successful at reading.

How do I get the books?

If you volunteer or work in a school district, the books you check out online will be delivered in approximately one week to your school. Please contact Reading Seed if you do not receive the books!

If you volunteer or work in a charter school, we may have a volunteer who can deliver your books or you may need to pick them up. Contact the Library Manager with your school information.

How do I return the books?

If you volunteer or work in a school district, put the books back into the plastic envelope they arrived in. Turn the pink sheet of paper over so it reads “Please Return these Reading Seed books…” Give the package to the receptionist in your school’s main office. That person will then send the book to the school district office where Reading Seed will pick them up. Charter school volunteers and employees will return books using the same method that you received them.

You may also return books to Reading Seed in person and pick up some books from the Donor Library while you are here!

Can I come to the Lending Library in person?

Absolutely! The advantage is that you can open and look at the books. Come when the Library Manager is in and you can also get help finding some great books for your individual students. Reading Seed is open from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday. If you would like assistance in choosing books, call before coming to make sure the Library Manager is available.

How long can I keep the books?

You can keep the books for 30 days.

How many can I check out?

You may check out up to 20 books at one time. Please talk to the Library Manager if you need to exceed that limit.

What if I really don’t know what books to try?

Call the Lending Library at 798-0700 and the Library Manager will be happy to give you suggestions!

Can I give these books to my students?

These books should be read by you and the student together and not sent home with students. Because these books are checked out in your name, you are responsible for returning them.

How can I find good books?

We have many, many great books! Call the Lending Library for assistance if you don’t know where to start.

I am a reading coach and haven’t met my students yet. What books should I take to the first meeting?

Take a variety of books at several levels. Pick some that have a few words per page and some that are more difficult. This will help you assess what level works best for your students.

How can I tell the difference between the Donor Library books and the Lending Library books?

The Lending Library books have barcodes that say Reading Seed on the back cover. They also should say “Please Return to Reading Seed” on the inside of the front cover.

I’ve been using the Reading Seed Lending Library for a couple of years now and it has been wonderful for my students and I. So I wanted to say thank you a million times! — Reem Kievit, 3rd Grade Teacher at Dietz Elementary