The McBride Information Center provides materials to promote the love of reading and to support the curriculum.  We provide resources for students and faculty in the form of print, non-print and electronic materials.

Students use the information center to complete assignments, explore ideas, and find a wide variety of recreational reading on many levels and topics.

It is our goal that students will become lovers of reading, independent library patrons, informed users of information, and life-long learners.

The McBride Information Center uses an open, flexible schedule so that students may check out books as often as they like while the information center remains open for individual, group, and whole-class activities. Teachers schedule whole-class research and skills lessons on an as-needed basis.

We believe that students should be free to select books on items of interest to them. Sometimes a child will check out books that he/she can read independently, but sometimes, the child will find an interesting book on an appropriate level for a parent to read to him/her. We spend time discussing books for independent reading, exploring books by various authors and illustrators, and using the five finger test to judge the readability of a book.

The Five Finger Test:

• Open the book to the middle. Select a full page of text.
• Read the page ( aloud if possible).
• Put one finger up for each word you cannot pronounce or do not know.
• If you get five fingers up on one page, the book is too difficult to be read independently.
• If you do not get five fingers up, but you read very slowly and have to decode most of the words, you probably will not enjoy the book.

Tips for Selecting Really Great Books:

• Check the cover. Does the dust jacket catch your eye?
• Read the summary on the inside flap. Does the book sound like something you would enjoy?
• Look at the illustrations and skim the text. Do the words and pictures make an interesting combination?
• Look on the return cart and check the books waiting to be shelved. You’ll see what books other boys and girls think are interesting!
• Ask the media specialist or your teachers. They know hundreds of great books and would be glad to make some suggestions.
• Look at what your friends are reading. Ask them for recommendations.
• Think about books that your teachers may have shared. Would you like to reread a favorite?
• Read other books written by your favorite authors.
• Read about your hobbies or other special interests.
• Browse through the non-fiction section. Look at the books on display.

How to Take Care of Your Books:

• Carry your books to and from school in your backpack.
• Keep books away from food and beverages.  Have snacks before or after reading your library books and keep them away from areas where food is served. 
• Keep books away from younger siblings who might scribble in or tear books. 
• Keep books away from pets. 
• Turn pages carefully.
• Make sure your hands are clean when reading library books.
• Protect the spine of the book by always using a bookmark rather than placing it face down with the pages open.
• Always use a bookmark instead of turning down pages or using a post it.  Do not use objects not meant to be bookmarks, such as pencils.  Anything too thick will break the book's spine.
• Designate one particular place  to store library books and return books there after each reading.  
• Read it! Have someone read it to you.
• Return your book on time so others may enjoy it.

Great Websites:

Be sure to look at the “Our Favorite Authors” link on the Student Sites page!

Teach a Child To Read: Questions and Answers

Helping Your Child Learn to Read

Becoming a Reader: Helping Your Child Become a Reader

100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know

Newbery Award Books

Caldecott Award Books

Media Center Games!