Library Media Center
Franklin Community Schools
Resources for Learning
Our mission is multifaceted, focusing on supporting the educational goals of our schools and fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning among students. We do that by:
- Providing resources and services that align with and enhance the school's curriculum.
- Teaching students how to locate, evaluate and use information effectively and ethically.
- Offering a wide range of materials in various formats that cater to different learning styles.
- Providing access to technology and digital tools that support learning, research and creativity.
- Creating a space where students can collaborate on projects, engage in group study and participate in various educational activities.
- Empowering students with the skills and knowledge they need to become independent, lifelong learners and informed, responsible citizens.
About
The FCHS library is a nontraditional media center.
Goal
Our goal is to reimage the role of the traditional library media center into an energetic space that engages learners through the promotion of technology, innovation and collaboration.
Mission
Our mission is to uphold the Franklin Community Schools mission to, "Empower greatness in all learners through collaboration, dynamic partnerships, and rich experiences that develop a world-class learning environment." We promote this mission by providing a comfortable, collaborative atmosphere where the potential of ideas can be unleashed into action.
Vision
The FCHS library upholds the vision outlined by Franklin Community Schools, "Franklin Community Schools, where education is student-centered and innovative, and learners are inspired to become great!"
Beliefs
The FCHS library upholds the beliefs outlined by Franklin Community Schools.
In a safe and nurturing environment, students:
- Learn at different rates and in different ways.
- Learn more effectively while actively engaged.
- Develop positive relationships with adults and peers.
Values
Our center values a culture where all individuals are empowered to take ownership of their education. To support and sustain this culture we provide:
- An open-door policy.
- A customizable experience.
- Flexibility in learning.
- Engaging experiences.
- Real-world connections.
- Open collaboration.
- Access to all available resources.
Expectations
The FCHS library has two expectations from all visiting patrons:
- Be respectful
- Be safe.
Failure to meet either of these expectations will cause immediate removal and or suspension from the library. Guidelines for meeting these expectations are as follows:
- Clean up any mess you make.
- Be responsible for yourself and your belongings.
- Use appropriate language at all times.
- Do not be a disruption to others.
- Keep your hands and body a respectable distance from those around you.
- Objects should never be thrown.
- If you move furniture, be sure to move it back to its home position.
Services
The FCHS library aims to meet the needs of all patrons. The following services are readily available on a daily basis in the library. Accommodations and advanced reservations can be made for any items or service by contacting the center.
- Robust print collection of fiction and nonfiction resources.
- Textbook collection.
- Movie collection.
- Technology training and assistance.
- Printing Center.
- Poster supplies.
- iPad access.
- Educational Engagement: Games. Challenges, Interactives.
- Art Box: Contains pencil, pen, eraser, colored pencils/markers, scissors and glue stick.
- Chromebook and Own Device charging stations.
- Charging cords.
- Small group book collections.
- Seasonal courtyard access and activates.
- Flexible seating: class, small group, individual, pairs, soft seating.
- College and Career Prep Materials: ACT, SAT, College App, FAFSA, career resources
- Cub Café Student Run refreshment center.
Checkout Policies
All materials have a standard checkout period of two weeks. Materials can easily be renewed by visiting or contacting the library. Fines and fees will accumulate for any non-returned items. All fines and fees will be removed at the time of check-in.
Services
The FCHS library strives to meet the technology, innovation and collaboration needs of all patrons. If you would like to request a service that is not currently available, please contact Emily Silverman silvermane@franklinschools.org.
Robust Print Collection
The center provides students, staff and community members with a robust collection of print materials including fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, picture books and an impressive Manga selection. The collection includes a wide variety of topics and reading levels in order to meet the needs of all patrons. The FCHS library is also proud to house a large multi-media collection with many electronic resources, movies, audiobooks, technology, activity kits and more. Browse our collection using Destiny Quest.
The collections are reviewed and updated regularly with monthly additions by patron request. Please contact us if there is book you would like to see added to the collection.
Varied Learning Environment
The FCHS library provides students, staff and the community with a wide choice of collaborative settings including small groups, large groups, pairs, or even independent. Private office space and productive collaboration rooms as well as open presentation areas areas are all available in the center. There are spaces for silent study, close collaboration, and of course open conversation and discussion. Table space, stand-up desks, cardi-collaboration tables and soft seating are all available in the center.
Resources
The FCHS library strives to provide up-to-date and relevant resources for all areas of interest, study and exploration. If you would like to request a resource that is not currently available, please contact us. Requests are honored on a first-come-first-served basis depending on availability and alignment with FCHS purchase policies.
Test Prep
Procedure
The school libraries housed within the School Corporation support and enrich the curriculum, students’ personal interests, and learning. Despite the careful selection of materials and the qualification of those involved in the selection process, objections to school library materials may occur.
A parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the Corporation or a community member who resides within the geographic boundaries of the Corporation (“Requester”) may submit a request to remove material from a school library on the grounds that the material is obscene or harmful to minors as those terms are defined by the Indiana criminal code:
35-49-2-1 Obscene matter or performance
A matter or performance is obscene for purposes of this article if:
(1) the average person, applying contemporary community standards, finds that the dominant theme of the matter or performance, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest in sex;
(2) the matter or performance depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct; and
(3) the matter or performance, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
35-49-2-2 Matter or performance harmful to minors
A matter or performance is harmful to minors for purposes of this article if:
(1) it describes or represents, in any form, nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sado-masochistic abuse;
(2) considered as a whole, it appeals to the prurient interest in sex of minors;
(3) it is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable matter for or performance before minors; and
(4) considered as a whole, it lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.
The Requester should first discuss the item of concern with the building principal. If the concern still exists after communicating with the administration, the Requester can make a request to remove the material by completing a Removal Request Form explaining why the requester believes the material is obscene or harmful to minors and submitting the same to Superintendent or designee.
A request for removal of school library material will be treated as a request to remove the material from all school libraries. Notwithstanding, material subject to a request for removal will be removed from circulation to allow the committee members to read the book.
Upon receipt of a completed Removal Request Form the Superintendent will convene a review committee (“Committee”) to review the request for removal and the subject material. The Committee will include at a minimum: a district level administrator, a District Media Specialist, a teacher, a building level administrator, and a school employee who lives within the geographic boundaries of the Corporation (if not already fulfilled by another Committee member).
When considering the request for removal, all Committee members should fully review the material (read or view the entire work), so that the Committee may consider the material in its entirety. The Committee shall consider both whether the material subject to the request is obscene and whether it is harmful to minors, regardless of whether the request is based on just one or the other ground for removal. Upon completion of its review, usually within thirty (30) school days, the Committee will provide the Requester and the Board of School Trustees with a written recommendation.
If the Requester is not satisfied with the recommendation of the Committee, a written appeal may be made within ten (10) school days to the Board of School Trustees. The appeal should be sent to Superintendent or designee. The Board will review the recommendation and appeal at the next public meeting.
If the Requester submits no appeal, the Board will make its decision based on the recommendation of the Committee. The request for removal, Committee recommendation, and any appeal will be reviewed by the Board at the next public meeting following the recommendation.
The Corporation will not process requests regarding school library material previously subject to this procedure absent extenuating circumstances.
Adopted: December 11, 2023
References: IC 20-26-5.5 et seq.
IC 35-49-2-1 – Definition of “obscene”
IC 35-49-2-2 – Definition of “harmful to minors”