Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

CIS Secondary Library: 2022 Summer Reading

CIS Secondary Library: Making the Virtual Visible

OverDrive

Download Sora to borrow and read now!


Sora provides the quickest and easiest way to get started with digital titles from our school. Students can simply log in using school credentials and instantly access hundreds of eBooks and audiobooks on virtually any device.

Step 1

The Sora app is available for iPhone/iPad or Android™. ​Install Sora and begin reading!

Step 2

After downloading the app, find "Chinese International School" as your library. 

Step 3

Sign in using your school username (the first part of your email) and password (initial password). Teachers, use your iLeave password.

Browse and borrow as you please!

Summer pleasure reading should be entirely about personal preference. Choosing our reading journeys is the best way to feed our curiosities and build our empathy. The best books are the ones you enjoy most, and there is no "one right answer" for which books someone "should" read. 

In support of that approach, we are rolling out another "Book Bingo," encouraging different genres, themes, and titles. Our goal is modest: read for at least one hour every day from a book of your choice.

Need help deciding what to read? Here are some tips to consider:

CIS Secondary Library Reading Suggestions and Tips
2021 School Library Journal Middle Grade Summer Reading suggestions (Y7-Y8)
2021 School Library Journal YA Summer Reading suggestions (Y9-Y13)

"Reading as a leisure activity is the best predictor of comprehension, vocabulary, and reading speed."

--Stephen Krashen, quoted in Readicide, by Kelly Gallagher (2009)

Policies and Privileges

It is your responsibility to bring your school ID card each day.

 

Students, you must use your school ID cards for access to all services provided in the Library. All items to check out include print materials and equipment such as E-readers; you must have your ID to do so.  You can also use your student ID card for photocopying and printing. 

 

Beyond that simple statement, it gets even easier:

  • Respect your Library space   
  • Respect other students in your Library   
  • Respect everything and everyone in your Library

Secondary Checkout Limits

We encourage--and expect--secondary students to choose and manage their reading. This policy is firm.

Year 7-9 Students
  • Up to 6 items per student
  • Up to 2 OverDrive titles per student
Year 10-13 Students
  • Up to 10 items per student
  • Up to 2 OverDrive titles per student
Primary Students (Y4-Y6)
  • 2 print items per student
  • Must be arranged through Primary Librarians

Dear parents, 

We invite you to enjoy the Secondary Library, so please do visit us. To browse, ask questions, seek guidance to support your child's reading, or simply to learn about our space is something we hope you do.

The ideal time to visit the Secondary Library is after school hours between 3:00-4:30. We reserve the school hours (7:30-3:00) for student and teacher use. The library is a classroom, so your understanding is appreciated.

Because this is a teaching and learning space, we ask that you follow the same, simple expectations we have for the students. When visiting the library, please model and support these standards. It is helpful for students to see.

  • Please wear your Parent ID badge prominently; we need to know who you are.
  • Please engage in a book, magazine, newspaper, or browse our collection.
    • You are also invited to chat with the librarians seeking insight or support for your children.
  • Please take care of all phone communication needs (calls and texts) before entering.
    • Turn off and tuck away your devices.
  • Please enjoy your coffee and snacks in the Cafeteria or at the Rooftop Café, not in the Library.
  • Parents who are with their Primary students are asked to use the Primary Library.
  • If you are simply waiting for your child to finish classes or CCAs or need a place to socialize, we ask that you do so at the Rooftop Café or in the Cafeteria. 
Parental Checkouts
  • 1 Chinese print item per parent
  • 1 English print item per parent
  • Parents may not check out items in their child's name
    • We expect the students to learn how to manage and maintain their reading as they grow older.

Material Type

Loan Period

Overdue Prices

Replacement Costs**
Books (print & digital) 14 days

N/A*

$200 (fiction)

$400 (non-fiction)
Magazines and Journals 14 days N/A* $100
Audio-Visual (Audiobooks, DVDs, etc.) 14 days N/A* $200
Kindles 14 days N/A* $1,200**

*Rather than charging fees for most overdue materials, we ask that you return or renew items. You will not be allowed to check out any additional items if you owe a fine or have anything overdue. The rule of thumb: if you expect to check something out, take care of your obligations.

**If a missing or damaged item is part of a set and we are not able to replace the missing portion, then you need to pay for the replacement of the entire set, which means the cost may be significantly higher. This applies to both books and AV materials.