Berry Library Information

Hours of Operation

The library is open daily from 7:50 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Students wishing to use the library before school must obtain a pass from the cafeteria duty teachers. After school, no pass is required.

Library Facts

The BMS Library collection consists of over 17,000 items, including books, audio-visual materials, periodicals, and equipment.  Twenty-six computers are Internet networked and available to students for research.  The library seats 32 patrons on each side of the facility, accommodating from one to three classes simultaneously.  A small, comfortable area for leisure reading is located near the circulation desk.

Online Resources

The MISD subscribes to over 25 online databases to provide students with age-appropriate resources. Online library resources are available to the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Home access has been made simple:

1.  Go to www.mesquiteisd.org/library.

2.  Click on Berry Middle School.

3.  Click Search.

4.  Click Online Resources.

User name:  mesquite                   Password:  schools

Library Calendar

All classes and events scheduled in the library can be found on the online calendar. Teachers find this feature useful for planning, and students can see when their classes are scheduled to meet in the library.

Policies

Admission: Each student entering the library before and during school hours must have a pass and must sign in before tending to library business. Pink class passes should be returned to the sending teacher after each visit.

Circulation:  Students are encouraged to use their student I.D. cards to ensure quick and accurate service. Students are allowed to check out up to four items at a time. Books are checked out for two weeks. Periodicals may be checked out for three days, and videos are due the next school day. 

Fines:  Students are held responsible for all items they check out. Overdue books carry a fine of ten cents per item per day. The fine for late periodicals and videos is twenty-five cents per item per day. Students with lost or overdue items must clear their accounts in order to check out additional items.  The cost to replace a periodical is $6.00.  Replacement prices for books and videos vary. See the librarian for this information.

Computer Usage:  The Internet is to be used for school assignments only. Students have agreed to abide by the district's Acceptable Use Policy when signing and returning the insert in the Student Handbook.  Playing games, checking personal email, random surfing of the Web, and inappropriate searches of any kind will result in loss of computer privileges.  Any printing must be done with permission of the librarian or accompanying teacher.

Copy Machine:  A  coin-operated copy machine is available in the library for one-sided black/white copies. The cost is ten cents per page.

Library Staff

The BMS Library is staffed with one full-time certified librarian, Mrs. Brenda Allen. In addition, thirteen 8th grade student aides conduct the majority of the circulation and shelving functions in the library. Questions and comments regarding the BMS library can be sent to ballen@mesquiteisd.org.