Who is Mx. Rohde? 
Mx. Rohde has been the school librarian at Bryant Elementary for the past twelve years. In the ten years prior, they taught in the library at several other Ann Arbor schools, as well as kindergarten, first, and second grade classrooms. Before becoming a public school teacher, they worked as a public librarian, a science research librarian, a database designer, a microbiologist, and an opera singer. They live in west Ann Arbor with their two teenagers, Ivy and Dexter. 

2024-25 Library Class Schedule

Mx. Rohde is at Bryant three days a week in 2024-25: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Here's the class schedule. 

Library and Technology Classes

This year, Bryant students have two different kinds of classes in the library:
  • Library class is the core information literacy and technology class for the Ann Arbor Public Schools, formerly known as ILT. It includes access to the school library collection for free reading and research, as well as instruction in technology skills, research, online safety and keyboarding basics. All students have library class; first and second grade is 1 hour, and kindergarten and young 5s is 45 minutes.
  • All K and young 5s also have one 45-minute technology class in the library (also referred to as "humanities"). They will learn to use their Chromebooks to create using Canva, to share their thinking in PebbleGo Create, and how to safely navigate the Internet. Later in the year students will practice research skills, reading, listening, and watching for information, and information literacy resources such as PebbleGo. 

Technology Guidelines

There are three sets of technology guidelines students are expected to follow:

Reading Choice

​My Child Keeps Bringing Home Books That Are Too Hard (or Easy)
One of the most important things a child can do in their library class each week is explore the library. The more books they come across, the more they will think of themselves as readers. They will develop a lifelong habit of reading. The best way adults can allow this to happen is to encourage them to choose their own books. As children grow and learn, they will learn methods to make more thoughtful choices, such as I-PICK and the Five Finger Test, but it's okay if your child chooses a library book that is too hard or too easy, as long as they are satisfied with their choice.

​My Child Keeps Bringing Home The Same Books
If a child is feeling worried or uncertain about what kind of book to choose, they often default to familiar topics and characters, or books they have heard their friends or teachers talk about. This is fine. (It's exactly how adults choose books, too!) Encourage them to tell you about why they like those books. Talking about books is one of the best ways children can share their love of reading and to grow as a reader.

Shouldn't My Child Be Reading "Just Right" Books?
In the library, kids don't have to read a book simply because it's at their level. Does the book look interesting? Does your child want to know more about the topic? Some children may want to take a risk and try something new, and some may read the same books all the time. That's okay!​

How Do I Know They Understand What They're Reading?
As your child learns about what it means to be a reader, they will learn to think and reflect as they read. Do they understand what's going on in the story? Can they make predictions about what might happen next? Even if they don't know all the words, it's okay. On the other hand, if they don't understand the story, even if they can read the words, the book may frustrate them. Read more about how adults can help with comprehension here.

What Books Should My Child Be Reading?
Your child should be reading books they like! If you're looking for ideas take a look at our What To Read page for ideas, or ask Mx. Rohde. They are always happy to give you (or your child) a special consultation.

Library Circulation

How Can I See What Books I Have Out?
You can access your library account from home using the Destiny Discover app via Clever. Here are the directions. 

When is the Library Open?
Parents are welcome to drop in any time during school hours. Students may schedule library visits with permission from their classroom teacher. 

How Many Books Can We Check Out?  
Parents have no limit on the number of books they may check out. You can keep them as long as you want.
  • ​Young 5s and Kindergarteners may check out one book at a time for the first half of the year, then two books starting in January. Books are returned to a Book Return tub in their classroom upon arrival on their library day. Kindergarteners focus on picture books, but are invited to explore the rest of the library, and can ask for a title, author, or topic they want.
  • First and second grade students begin the year checking out one book at a time. Once students have shown responsibility for returning one book on time (to the Book Return tub in their classroom upon arrival on their library day), they may add one more book each week. If they forget their books the following week, they may still take one book, but if they forget again the following week, their limit returns to one book, and they can work back up from there. In general, they should return all their books before getting more. If you prefer to limit your child's checkout to one or two books, or if you would rather they keep their books at school, just let Mx Rohde know.  First and second grade students will be asked to try books from all over the library, especially when exploring new sections of the collection, but most of the time they will be given the freedom to choose books they prefer.

When Are Books Due?  
All books are due back each week on a student's library day.  If a student forgets one or more books, they may still check out one book that week. If a student forgets books for a second week, they may not check out more books until those books are returned.  

May We Check the Same Books Out Again?  
Yes!  Students may renew books as many weeks as they want, as long as no one else wants that book. To renew a book, bring it back on your library day, or call or email Mx. Rohde. Books be renewed from home with a call, email, or note.

Can We Save A Book?
Yes! You may put a book on hold at the checkout desk, or by emailing Mx. Rohde, or on Clever.  If the book is available in the library, it will be placed on the hold shelf. If the book is currently checked out, the computer can hold the book for you when it is returned. Mx. Rohde will bring it to your child's classroom, or leave it on the hold shelf for them to pick up. Books will be kept on the hold shelf for one week.

Do Students Pay Fines For Late Books?
No. If your child's book is more than two weeks overdue, you will receive a notice via email (or on paper in your student's backpack, if you do not have email). Your child can return the book any time, to the library or to the basket in your child's classroom. A few times a year, you will be sent a bill for any books that have not been returned. If you pay for a book and it is found, Mx. Rohde will gladly refund your money as long as the library has not already replaced the book. 

Book Care

One of the concepts we emphasize in library is respect and responsibility for shared resources. You can encourage your child to take care of their library books by: 
  • keeping library books in their backpack when they are not reading them, or in a safe spot in your home (a shelf, cardboard box, or other accessible place)
  • carrying books by the spine (instead of by the pages) 
  • turning pages carefully, using "tiny mouse hands" (two fingers)
  • washing their hands before reading or handling books 
  • keeping food, drink, pets, and babies away from library books 
  • wrapping books in a plastic bag in their backpack if it is a rainy day
  • informing their teacher or Mx. Rohde right away about any torn pages or writing found in the book
If your child's book is damaged, Mx. Rohde will do their best to fix it. Please return the book to Mx. Rohde directly, rather than in the library bin. If it is not reparable, Mx. Rohde will let you know how much it will cost to replace the book. If paying for the book is a financial hardship, any amount of money is acceptable - whatever you can afford.

Any more questions? Call the Bryant office at 734-997-1212 or email Mx. Rohde!