The Shorncliffe State School Library is a bright, engaging space designed to spark curiosity, creativity and a love for reading in every student. Students can explore stories from around the world, dive into exciting adventures or conduct research to support their classroom learning. Library displays with rotating themes ignite student interest by showcasing diverse topics, genres and cultural events and strengthen student connections with our local community. Please find below general information relating to the operation of our school library. Specific details regarding updates or events throughout the year can be found in our school newsletter or social media updates.
Opening Hours
The library is open at both lunch breaks, five days a week.
First break (10.35am – 11am) Students have access to an extensive range of books, as well as board games, colouring, drawing and puzzles.
Second break (1.15pm – 1.35pm) This is our quiet break. Students may read, colour, draw, or just come in to relax in a comfy chair. Students wishing to chat or play games are encouraged to use our outdoor spaces for this break, allowing others to access a calm, relaxed atmosphere amongst their busy school day.
* Please note that unforeseen circumstances may require the library to be closed for a particular break – a sign will be placed outside to advise students on these occasions.
Library Borrowing
All classes have a scheduled library time each week, during which students are strongly encouraged to borrow. Loan periods are for two weeks, however students wishing to borrow more frequently may do so during first break time each day. Students in years one to six may borrow two books at a time, with our prep students taking one book at a time.
Library Bags
Students are required to transport their books to and from school in a library bag. This greatly assists in limiting the number of damaged books that are returned, particularly when water bottles spill in school bags. Shorncliffe State School library bags are available through the uniform shop, or alternatively you may wish to purchase elsewhere.
Overdue Books
Student loans are for a period of two weeks, after which time the item becomes overdue. Students with one overdue may continue to borrow one book whilst they look for their overdue book. Our Library Management System will send parents automated reminder emails weekly if a book becomes overdue.
Once a book had been overdue for 30 days, an invoice will be raised to cover the replacement and processing cost and the student will have borrowing rights suspended until paid.
Damaged or Lost Books
We understand that accidents happen and will do our best to repair books where possible. If a student loses or damages a book (that can't be repaired), an invoice will be raised to cover the cost of replacement and processing/covering. Borrowing rights will be suspended until paid, and once paid the book will belong to the family.
Book Week
This is a much-loved annual event at Shorncliffe and coincides with the Children's Book Council of Australia Book Week celebrations in August. Shorncliffe hosts a week-long program with a variety of book related activities. The program is released in early Term 3 to inform families of what is happening, particularly the much-anticipated Book Week Parade where students and staff are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character.
Book Fair and Book Club
In order to keep our book collection as up to date and diverse as possible, we have two main fundraising initiatives as follows:
· Book Fair – this is held annually during Book Week (August) and allows families to come and browse a wonderful selection of books at our pop-up shop in the library.
· Book Club – this is run by Scholastic and brochures will come home in Term 1,2 and 4. Families who wish to purchase may do so online, with all books ordered by the dure date receiving free delivery to school.
By purchasing books through Book Fair and Book Club you are directly supporting our school library as we receive a percentage of total sales.
NEW! Shorncliffe Library Management System – Infiniti
All students have online access to our new library management system called Infiniti. This will allow students to browse our catalogue, see what books they have on loan, create interest lists and place holds for books that are currently unavailable (not shown as 'on shelf'). Infiniti can be accessed at school and home via https://shorncliffess.concordinfiniti.com/login
Students will need their MIS Id and password to login, which is available from their classroom teacher.
NEW! SORA Digital Library
In addition to our extensive range of physical books, Shorncliffe families now have access to the Education Qld eBooks digital library – SORA. Sora provides 24/7 access to an extensive collection of eBooks and audiobooks, on almost any device. Our subscription runs all year, allowing families to access digital content during school holidays periods.
SORA loan limits - Students can borrow up to 10 titles at a time (excluding magazine and comics - you can borrow an unlimited amount of these). Students can also place holds on up to 3 titles at a time. Please note, this access WILL NOT replace students borrowing physical books. Our weekly borrowing remains the same and regardless of whether students have digital loans they will still be expected to walk out of the library with a book in their bag!
To log in, visit the Sora website, or download the free Sora app on a mobile device, find the school Education Queensland, and use the student MIS ID, which is available from classroom teachers. Visit https://help.soraapp.com/en-us/5033.htm for a quick guide to using SORA.
Please feel free to contact our library staff at library@shorncliffess.eq.edu.au if you need any further information.