“Libraries are not made; they grow.” ~Augustine Birrel
Welcome to the O'Farrell/Breidenstein Library web page! We get excited when our students visit the library's webpage. This could mean two things—one, you are a reader, and two, you love technology. Well, guess what? We have plenty of books and computers to keep our Falcons happy!
Please visit our Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and take a look at the library's sizeable collection of fiction and nonfiction titles. There are more than 35,000 books and media available for checkout. Then stop by in the early morning, at lunch time, or after school to use the 29 computers—19 laptops, 8 workstations, and 2 stand-alones—all dedicated for student use.
If you are looking for a great place to read, visit the “reading arbor”. Nestled between the book stacks is a peaceful and relaxing area with butterfly chairs arranged around a tranquil water fountain. The "reading arbor'" appeals to the serious reader in all of us. It is a sanctuary; a place to escape the hectic pace of a bustling middle school.
Our library is like no other school library in the city. We—staff and students—work hard to make it the best learning environment on earth! We respect the resources, the programs, and the positive energy it offers to all.
Student Services
Library Hours
Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Wednesday is the school-wide minimum day. Students are encouraged to leave the campus by 12:30 p.m. Library visits are encouraged, however, passes are required during school hours.
Library Rules
It is rewarding to host young library patrons in the school library. However, the following rules are necessary to insure a safe and productive environment for all students.
1. No food, gum, candy or drinks.
2. No behavior that is disruptive or unsafe.
3. Use 6” voices.
When you enter the library, your attitude should reflect how you wish to be treated.
1. No food, gum, candy or drinks.
2. No behavior that is disruptive or unsafe.
3. Use 6” voices.
When you enter the library, your attitude should reflect how you wish to be treated.
Check Out Policy
Students are able to check out up to 3 books at a time. Borrowed resources are due within two (2) weeks. Overdue accounts are charged .05/day/book. Students owing $1.00 or more are suspended from check-out until their account is current.
Textbook Policy
O’Farrell students receive state-approved textbooks during the month of September. Student editions are assigned for home use. It is expected that students will maintain proper care of textbooks. The books should be covered and kept in a safe place. In the event of loss or damage, parents will assume financial responsibility. These borrowed resources are due upon disenrollment or in the month of June.
Student Programs
California Young Reader Medal (CYRM)
It’s the Academy Awards for children’s books. Each year after reading recommended titles in four categories, students throughout the state of California vote for their favorite books. Young readers can compare their choices with the overall winning selections. This is a great resource for finding new friends who enjoy reading as much as you do! Each fall, the nominated titles are posted and the winners are posted in the spring. For more information and a list of this year’s nominees, visit the California Young Reader Medal website.
For more than 15 years, Pizza Hut provides monthly reading rewards for young children (K-6). Our sixth graders, the Baby Falcons, are encouraged to set reading goals each month. Upon reaching their goals they receive coupons for an individual pizza. So, think about it, you can’t starve to death if you read!
We provide two opportunities to add some great books to your personal library — winter and spring. For two weeks in December and May, the library becomes a “bookstore on wheels”. Book lovers can experience the latest and greatest in book retailing. Scholastic Books, a children’s book publisher, provides a great selection of teen literature and other cool stuff for sale. So save your dinero baby, because you’ll want to buy it all!
Essay Contests
Do you need money, gift certificates, or cool kid-friendly prizes? Well you have come to the right source—your school library. Each year various organizations offer rewards for entering standards-based essays in writing contests. For example, The Friends of the San Diego Public Library, San Diego Unified School District (Library), Petco Park, the San Diego Council On Literacy, San Diego State University, and the University of California, San Diego, all announce their juried essay contests. Middle school students, like you, submit researched, persuasive essays on a specific topic for their review. Over the years, O’Farrell has taken many top cash and gift prizes. In this case, it pays to read and write! On your mark, get set, WRITE!
Reading Recognition Award
Each year we acknowledge students who have read 25 or more books at their reading level. We are fortunate that each year we have more than 400 students who are avid readers. All they need are a well-maintained library and a permanent library pass as their incentive. Our reading certificate, free book and prize raffle are reminders that “it pays to read”.
