Library Media Center

TCSS Library Mission Statement

The mission of the TCSS libraries as an agency of both instruction and service is to encourage reading for pleasure and information, to support the curricular goals of our campuses, to teach appropriate research skills in an integrated context, and to aid each other.

About the Cottondale Library Media Center

It is the goal of all TCSS Library Media Centers to provide the best quality resources, instructional learning opportunities, collaboration and instructional support for our learning communities enabling and equipping all students as they learn, grow, and achieve. The Cottondale Elementary School library strives to achieve these goals by providing students with the digital and print resources they need. The library media center provides Cottondale students with:

• Books - Our books range in level from Pre-K through 8th grade. Students have a wide selection that includes graphic novels, historical fiction, current non-fiction titles, and both new and classic fiction stories.
• Technology - Our library provides students with computers to search the library catalog, computers for research, and an iPad cart to be used for class lessons and classroom collaboration.
• Collaboration Opportunities - Our library works with classrooms to assist teachers in covering classroom content while integrating technology and creating a 21st Century learning experience.

The Library Media Center supports the Alabama State Course of Study, the basis of our school curriculum program and its publication "Alabama's Library Media Handbook for the 21st Century Learner" as well as "Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs," published by the American Association of School Librarians and the American Library Association. In addition, the Library Media Center endorses the literacy principles of the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.

The Tuscaloosa County Board of Education has defined the school library media center as “a fundamental part of the educational program” (Policy IFBD, revised 2001). The major functions of the library are to provide “maximum access to information sources,” instructional opportunities in “acquiring research skills necessary for independent learning,” development of a love of reading through the enjoyment of “good literature,” and encouraging students to use a diverse “variety of media” during their lives for “learning and pleasure” (Policy IFBD, revised 2001).

The Library Media Center provides open access for all students. The Library Media Center uses Destiny, a Follett software product, as its automated management system.

Please note: Books are checked-out for 1 week. Books will not be checked-out to students who have lost and/or overdue books. If the need to replace a lost/badly damaged book arises, the cost is $20 for hardcover books and $7.50 for paperbacks.