About the Library

MHS Library Staff

Julie Post, library Media Specialist

Leigha Buchtel, library aide

The MHS Library is shared with the Midlothian Public Library.  Collections, staffing, and operations are separate.

Library Book Limit
Students may check out five library books at a time from the MHS library collection.

Length of Checkout Period
Library books are due three weeks from the day they are checked out. If a student would like more time to read a book, they are welcome to renew the book up to two times for a total of nine weeks.  Items with holds may not be renewed.

Items Available for Checkout
Students can check out any MHS books.  Makerspace items can be checked out for use in the library.  Ebooks and digital audiobooks are available for checkout through Sora.  Students are not allowed to check out Midlothian Public Library materials during school hours.

Overdue, Lost, and Damaged Library Books
At the time a library book is checked out, a receipt is provided with a "due date". Students are responsible for returning books on time according to this receipt and should contact the library to renew items up the allowed number of times. Students will be expected to pay for the replacement cost of lost or damaged books. All payments must be made in cash in the library.

Printing & Copies
The MHS library does not offer printing to students.  Any allowed printing is handled by the Midlothian Public Library and will be charged at $0.10/printed page.  Only cash is accepted.

Equipment Checkout Procedures
To assure that equipment will be available when needed, be sure to make reservations at least one week in advance, when possible. Please call x5211 or email Julie Post or Leigha Buchtel.

Reserving a Cart of Books for Your Classroom
Teachers may check out a cart of books on a subject being studied in class. Teachers are asked to consult with  Julie Post or Leigha Buchtel at least one week prior to the date when the books will be needed. This is to ensure that the appropriate materials will be available. At the time of checkout, teachers will be given a list of all books checked out in their name.

Reserving the Library
Teachers may request that a section of library tables or one of the classrooms be reserved for use on specific days. This should be done at least one week in advance, when possible, to ensure that space and materials will be available. However, teachers should be aware that since the library operates on a completely flexible schedule, students with passes from other classes will be admitted to the library throughout the school day. The library is also open to Midlothian Public Library patrons Monday-Thursday. To reserve spaces, please fill out this FORM, call x5211, or email Julie Post or Leigha Buchtel.

Before School:  The library is open before school for students who need a place to work, read, or collaborate.  Morning visitors must be purposeful and not disruptive to others.  

During the School Day:  Students may visit the library as a class or individually with their ID and a teacher pass.   All students must be purposeful and not disruptive to others. 

During Lunch:  Students may visit the library during their lunch period on a first come, first served bases, dependent upon other scheduled activities in the library. Students are not permitted to move seating without permission and should not be disruptive.  At this time there is no eating allowed in the library.  Students are responsible for cleaning their areas before leaving. 

After School:  The MHS Library closes with the school at 4:15 each day.  While the Midlothian Public Library shares the MHS Library's space, students are welcome to use the space Monday-Thursday from 4:15-7:00pm.

Anytime students visit the library during school hours they must have their school ID.  Students without their ID will return to class or issued a temporary badge.

To Ask for Assistance:  Students and staff are welcome to visit the library for limited technical support, online resources, reading suggestions, research help, etc.

To Read/Study/Collaborate:  Students are welcome to visit the library to independently read and study, or to work collaboratively with a group.  Collaborative work should not be disruptive to others.

To Explore the Makerspace:  Students can utilize the makerspace activities when the makerspace is open or with permission from the library staff.  For more information, check out the Makerspace page.

To Check Out E-books:  Students and staff can visit the library to learn how to check out e-books/audiobooks from laptops or from other personal devices.

To Check Out Physical Books:  Students and staff are welcome to check out materials from the MHS Library.  

• Visitors must be purposeful and not disruptive to others.
• Visitors must be respectful of the facility and resources and return furniture, activities, etc., to the original state before leaving.
• Visitors may use devices, with staff permission, for school purposes such as communication, product creation, or reading/research. 
• Visitors should not bring food to the library.

How can I find books?

• Fiction - Young Adult fiction books are shelved by Genre and then the author's last name. MHS genres include Science Fiction, Fantasy, Scary, Graphic Novels, Manga, Classics, Mysteries, Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Sports, Humor, Romance, Star Wars, Spanish, and Historical Fiction.  
• Spanish - There is a growing section of Spanish fiction, nonfiction, and biographies.
• MHS Biography - Books are shelved by the subject's last name. These books have blue dots on the spine.
• MHS Nonfiction - Books are arranged using the Dewey system. These books have blue dots on the spine.
• Ebooks & Digital Audiobooks - These books are available through Sora.

Midlothian Public Library materials are only available to students outside of school hours (M-Th 4:15-7, Sat 10-4).  Students will need a public library card for checkout.  

Students are encouraged to use their school issued laptops to look up physical books online in the Destiny catalog.  

For help on using the Destiny catalog and Sora, please visit our Help page.