Niles North Library 2024-25: About the Library

The Library is an integral part of Niles North's educational program. Library staff collaborate with other members of the school and community, empowering students and staff with essential skills in order to use ideas and information effectively (Linking for Learning, 2010). We adhere to the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, which affirms "that all libraries are forums for information and ideas."

We accomplish our mission by providing access to print and electronic resources, providing information literacy instruction, working with classroom teachers to design and implement curriculum, and assisting individual students with reference questions and recreational reading suggestions. We curate a collection that reflects our students and staff so that every person sees themselves in the library.

Student Responsibilities & Expectations

• We strive for peaceful productivity in the library. Use your time for homework, research, reading, or quiet relaxation.
• Scan in with your ID at the front desk when visiting. 
• Bring materials back on time and in good condition.
• Keep food and drink to a minimum (small snacks ok, but please eat your lunch in the cafeteria).
• Follow computer network guidelines.
• Contact or visit staff with questions or concerns (i.e. unable to access a database, etc.).
• Please be in control of your own behavior.

Can anyone visit the library?

As long as you scan your ID at the library front desk and follow library rules & expectations, you are allowed to visit the library during your free time.

When can I visit the library?

Before school, after school, during lunch, and during study hall.

• If you arrive after passing period, you must have a pass to enter the library!
• If you need to eat lunch, please go to the cafeteria first and then come to the library when you've finished eating.
• If you are a freshman, you need to report to your assigned study hall on Mondays.

Can I leave the library once I'm scanned in?

During lunch and study hall you must stay in the library until the bell rings at the end of the period. You may sign out a restroom or locker pass at the front desk to leave temporarily. 

If you have an appointment with a counselor or teacher, please show us a message or pass from that teacher before you leave. Thanks!

Before school and after school you can scan in and leave at any time.

Can I eat in the library?

Please keep eating and drinking to a minimum. We allow snacking in the library, but have problems with pests when people leave food mess and trash behind. If you need to eat lunch, please do so in the cafeteria and please dispose of any trash in labeled trash cans.

Can I use a Study Room?

Study rooms are reserved for students working on group assignments, or for students that need a place to record audio/video or make phone/zoom calls. To reserve a study room fill out this form and please read the study room policies.

I have an overdue book or a fine. What do I do?

Please return books once you are finished using them - sometimes people are waiting for that book!

If you return a book before the end of the school year, all fines are forgiven. Otherwise we must replace the book. To pay a fine please see the bookkeeper in the main office.

Can you help me with school work?

We hope so! Librarians are here to help you be the best students possible. Some of the things we can teach you:

• How to find and use information (research skills),
• How to use databases, ebooks, and other library resources,
• How to create citations & bibliographies,
• How to find books in the library.

Do you hire students to work in the library?

Yes we do! You must be a sophomore or older and have a study hall during period 2, 5, 6, or 8 and availability to work at least one day after school. Look for an email at the end of the semester with a job description and application. Or ask a library staff member for more info.

Have more questions?

Ask the library staff! We love to answer questions :)