Mission Statement

The mission of the Academies of Discovery at South Hall Learning Commons is to provide intellectual and physical access to materials in all formats; to provide instruction that fosters competence and stimulates interest in reading, viewing and using information and ideas; and to collaborate with other educators to design learning strategies and opportunities to meet the needs of individual students.

Facilities and Materials

  • Over 14,000 books and other print materials.
  • An extensive reference collection of over 1,400 titles.
  • Student access to computers and Internet.
  • Destiny computer catalog for students to locate books/web sites.
  • Over 1,800 audiovisual materials which include videos/DVDs and books-on-CD.
  • Over 15 periodicals and newspapers for professional use and student checkout.
  • A growing E-Book and digital interactive book collection.
  • Access to hundreds of digital audiobooks.
  • Collaborative group spaces for learning through technology.

Checking Out Materials

Students are provided with barcodes which are necessary for checking out materials.  If their barcode has been lost, a replacement barcode will be provided to the students at an additional cost. A student may not check out items without their barcode. Students may check out two items at a time.  Regular library books may be checked out for a two-week period. If books are not returned by due date, students will accrue a $0.05 per day, per book.  Some reference books and magazines may only be kept overnight.  Students are responsible for the safe return of all books and magazines.  If damaged, lost or overdue, it is the responsibility of the student who checked it out to pay the fees.  No other books may be checked out until a lost item is paid for in full.  Certain extracurricular privileges will be lost if books are not returned or fines unpaid within a reasonable time.

Internet Usage Policy

Students will not be allowed to use the Internet in the Learning Commons without instruction and direction from the classroom teacher.  Students are also not allowed to play games on the Internet while in the Learning Commons. The computers are for academic use only. The LC computers have limited printer access/capability and students must have permission prior to printing.

Media Center Hours

The Learning Commons is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every school day.  A group of six or more sent from a class must be accompanied by the teacher.  Those coming to the learning commons without a teacher must bring a signed agenda and their barcode to serve as their pass.  Student must sign in and out of the Learning Commons.