Welcome to the San Marcos High school library!
LIBRARY HOURS: Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Library Updates
What is Royals Book Madness?
Royal Book Madness is a competition where our 16 most popular books of the year go head-to-head in weekly matchups to determine this year's favorite SMHS read.
Students submit predictions and then vote via Google form to pick the winners. To participate, pick up a Royals Book Madness Bracket from your English teacher or the library. Complete the bracket and turn it in to the library by March 8. Next, vote for your favorite books on the following dates:
March 11: Sweet Sixteen
March 15: Elite Eight
March 18: Final Four
March 20: Championship
Celebrate Black History Month
At SMHS we honor and affirm black voices year round. Since February is Black History Month, it is a great time to read a book by a Black author.
Click the button below to see a collection of some of our favorite nonfiction and fiction books by Black authors:
To enter the the Black History Month Reading Challenge—
Read a book by a Black author.
Click the button below to share the book title, author's name, and what you like about the book.
Student book recommendations will be published (with student first names only) on this website. Ten lucky readers will win gift cards to Lighthouse Coffee or Blenders in the Grass. We will draw the names of the student winners on March 1. You are welcome to share more than one book!
If you have a question or you would like a book recommendation, visit the library or email Ms. McMillan at amcmillan@sbunified.org.
Spring Independent Reading Launch
During the first two weeks of school the library is very busy with independent reading launch lessons for English classes.
🎯 The learning target for all classes is to sample a variety of books before choosing at least one that fits your unique reading level, interests and curiosities.
Fall Textbook Return
Return all Term 1 and Term 2 textbooks and class novels to the library starting the week of Monday, January 22. The last day to return books is Thursday, January 25. If you owe a fine for loss or damages, pay it now. Stop by the library or go to the library catalog to check your library account.
Library Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Book Return: Drop off books to the library.
How to Pay Fines: If you owe a fine, please bring cash or a check to the library during library hours.
Your library account displays the books you currently have checked out as well as fines you may owe for lost or damaged books. Click this link for information on How to Check Your Library Account. If you have any questions, contact Amy McMillan at amcmillan@sbunified.org or call (805) 967-4581 x 5516.
Ideas for SMHS Makers
The SMHS Library has a 3D Printer and a Cricut Machine for students and staff to use.
For more information on each machine, click the links below:
3D Printer Policy and Procedures: To use the 3D printer, sign up on the clipboard next to the machine in the Library Makerspace.
Cricut Library User Guide: To use the Cricut, talk to Ms. McMillan or email amcmillan@sbunified.org.
November is Native American Heritage Month
Are you looking for a book written by a Native American Author? Click the link to see what we have in the SMHS Library: Native American Voices
Here are some favorites:
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac tells what happens when Ned Begay and other Navajo men are recruited by the Marines to become Code Talkers, sending messages during World War II in their native language.
The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley is a fast-paced thriller about a part-Ojibwe high school student who reluctantly goes undercover with the FBI to help solve a series of drug-related deaths.
There There by Tommy Orange tells the story of twelve characters, each of whom is traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow. (First posted on 11.01.21)
LGBTQ+ History Month: October 2023
Stop by the library to browse our display of books about LGBTQ+ history and the achievements of LGBTQ+ people.
To learn more, check out the resources available through the library databases Gale in Context High School: LGBTQ+ Community Equality (Password from home: royals or sign in with Google). In the database, you will find a curated list of resources, such as magazine and newspaper articles, videos, images, infographics, and more.
Banned Books Week (October 1 - 7)
Join the American Library Association and the Banned Books Coalition as we celebrate our collective right to read.
You are invited to stop by the library to—
Check out a "banned book"
Post your thoughts on our #RighttoRead wall
Write a postcard to a banned author
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 - October 15
All students are invited to read at least one book by a Latinx author. For ideas, check out this list of recommended books from Teaching Books and our Latinx Literature Collection from the SMHS Library.
After you read the book, write a review (on paper or digital) to enter a raffle for a Blender's or Lighthouse Coffee gift card. There will be five winners.
For more details, click the link to the Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month flyer.
To enter the raffle, please submit your review by Friday, October 13.
COMING SOON TO THE SMHS LIBRARY:
Mon. 8/14 Royal Return: Students are invited to stop by the library on Royal Return. You are welcome to check out up to four library books. Also, if you still have library books or textbooks from last year, please return them during Royal Return.
Mon. 8/21 First Day of Classes! We are open for student drop-ins before school, at lunch, and after school.
Mon. 8/21 & Tues. 8/22 Textbook Checkouts: Classes visit the library to check out required textbooks.
Wed. 8/23 Independent Reading Kick-Offs Begin: Over the first two weeks of school, English classes visit to browse the library collection and check out books.
End-of-Year Library Book Return
SMHS Library Makerspace
All students are invited to stop by the SMHS Library Makerspace before school, at lunch, after school, or during your dismissal period.
Click the link for Free Time Activities available now in the Makerspace.
Interested students may also sign up to use the MakerBot 3D printer. For more about our 3D printer, click here: 3D Printing in the Library
We want to hear from you! Please complete this Maker Survey to tell us about the kinds of projects and materials we should add to the space.