Shades Cahaba has an open Media Center whereby students may come daily to check out books, work on projects, do research, or have scheduled class time to work with the Media Specialist on specific skills or projects. Books are checked out for one week, but may be renewed or returned at any time after the day of check out. We have the "bring one back to get another" rule, which makes it easier for students to keep up with what they have checked out.

Kindergarten students will check out one book at a time and may bring it back the next day to get another. First graders will begin the year checking out one book at a time and will progress to two after Labor Day. Second through fifth graders may check out two books or one magazine and a book at one time.  Students are always allowed to check extra books out as needed for projects.

Students are reminded on Monday and Thursday in their classroom about overdue books and magazines.  Two weeks notices are sent home in the Tuesday Communicator.  Three week notices are mailed home.