Library

The DIS Library is currently seeking book and game donations for our students.  Please click on this link for our Amazon wish list and make a donation today!

See our students in action by following the DIS Library on Instagram!  

Hello parents of DIS students! I am very excited to introduce myself as the new librarian for Durham Intermediate School. My name is Erika Montgomery, and I am the parent of an eighth grader and a fifth grader in Durham schools. My husband is a fourth-generation local almond farmer. I attended Durham schools from kindergarten through sixth grade, until my family moved from the area. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from California State University, Chico, and I have spent many hours volunteering at our schools as DES PTS vice president, Durham Gala steering committee member, classroom volunteer, etc. Durham is my family’s home and that’s why I’m so excited to help make our school library a great place for all students. Our teachers are using the library with their students to conduct research for multiple projects and speeches that are approaching.

Although our non-fiction section is decent, several texts are outdated with their information and many students are doing research on the same topics, requiring multiple copies of books. Most of these projects require a book as a resource. By having your child research information in our school library, your family time isn’t being used at our county libraries after school.

The computer lab in the library is always bustling and is another great resource for students who need to do research or print essays/projects. I’ve created a wish list on Amazon with books that our students have specifically requested. Many of these books are the latest in their series and have been published recently. I’ve requested multiple copies of some of the books because they are very popular with students! You will also notice reference books that are frequently used topics for research projects. I have several items for our makerspace on the list and would greatly appreciate any assistance with these items. Our library budget is very limited so I hope that you will keep our school library and your students in mind for your donation dollars. I will continue to add books and materials as the needs arise.  The link to the Amazon wish list is http://a.co/3wtVJ71.  Please feel free to share this link with anyone who would like to support our library. 

Using Information Effectively

The goal of the DIS library program is to ensure that students develop the ability to find and use information and to become lifelong learners and effective users of ideas and information. The library provides access to an information-rich collection of print, technologies, and research information, so that all DIS students have the opportunity to acquire:

  • Reading Literacy: to perform as an avid and capable reader

  • Technology Literacy: to be a skilled user of technology tools; to use technology to enhance learning.

  • Information Literacy: to be an organized investigator, a critical and creative thinker, an effective communicator, and a responsible information user.

Scholastic GO!

DES & DIS have subscribed to Scholastic GO!, the most comprehensive source of nonfiction content, up-to-date information, and homework help.  This program enables children to have a differentiated learning and/or research experience by having the choice of logging in to one of four domains that best pertains to their need or grade level.  Your child can access Scholastic GO! anywhere there is an Internet connection, including your home!  This interactive resource is the ultimate homework helper, and it will help students with research projects and reports and extend the learning beyond school hours. Just click on the Scholastic GO! icon to begin your search!

Library Information

Library Hours  
The library is open Tuesday-Friday from 8:00am – 11:00am and from 11:45am – 3:00pm. Students are welcome in the library before school, at break, and during lunchtime, in addition to times when their teachers deem it appropriate.  

Donations
Donations of books appropriate for middle schoolers are always welcome. If you have no-longer-needed copies of books suitable for middle school students, please consider donating them to circulate among our readers.

Library Staff
Erika Montgomery, Library Tech
(530) 895-4684, x245