Greetings from Lafayette Library! I hope your school year has been going well! As we leave our first quarter behind and head into a time of holidays, road trips and cold days perfect for reading, I wanted to pass on some resources and important information.
Accessing ebooks, audiobooks and magazines
Grades 3-5 have learned how to use Sora, our website/app for ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines, but it’s a wonderful resource for all ages! We have a large collection of graphic novels, nonfiction books, chapter books, and picture books. Students also have access to DC Public Library’s collection, no library card needed! You can access Sora through Clever or by going here. The setup code is DCPSDC. I’ve made a video tutorial to get you started, and a more thorough walkthrough video.
There are other places that you can get ebooks, audiobooks and more, for free! Look through the resources on the Lafayette Library website 24/7 to connect your student with something great to read or listen to.
Volunteer needs
We are always in need of shelvers! If you know how to fix books, or would like to learn, I would love to train someone who can make a regular commitment. Scheduling for regular volunteers is flexible. Please apply for your clearances. I need someone to periodically collect Lafayette books that are returned to Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library. There will also be one-time opportunities like end-of-year tasks.
The book fair needs shift captains! These individuals commit to becoming experts in most things book fair and can come multiple shifts. After a bit of training, you’ll be ready to troubleshoot for cashiers, help students find books, answer questions, and serve as all-around backup for me.
If you’re interested in any of these volunteering opportunities, please email
Overdue, lost and damaged books
Keep an eye on your email inboxes for the first overdue notices of the year. For your convenience, I’ve put a bin outside the front doors for returns after hours. Please note that this year, all books will be automatically marked lost after 90 days. You can see what your student has checked out anytime by logging into our library catalog, Destiny Discover, through Clever or the Lafayette Library website.
If a book is lost or ruined by a student (not normal wear-and-tear like rips or pages falling it), families will be expected to pay for or replace it. I have gotten a lot of books with water damage, so please make sure those water bottles aren’t leaky!
Morning Library
Did you know the library’s open every morning during lineup? Students may visit between 8:20 and 8:40 to return and checkout books, read or do homework.
Thank you for the many ways that you support your students, their love of reading, and their library!
Stay warm, stay safe, and happy reading!
Ms. Leese