Vocabulary: Library – JSS1 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

A library is a place where books, magazines, newspapers and other materials are kept for reading, study and borrowing. Library vocabulary is the set of words we use to talk about a library and how to use it. These words include catalogue, shelves, lending card, reference, periodicals and encyclopedia.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state the meaning of catalogue, shelves, lending card, reference, periodicals and encyclopedia;
• use each word correctly in a sentence;
• say where and how each item is used in a school library;
• use a dictionary to check the meaning of a new word.

What are the common words used in a library?

What other words are useful in a library?

• Librarian: the person who takes care of the library and helps readers.
• Borrow: to take a book for a short time and then return it.
• Author: the person who wrote a book.

How do we use a library?

1. Look in the catalogue to find the book you want and where it is kept.
2. Go to the correct shelves and pick the book.
3. Use reference books and encyclopedias inside the library.
4. To borrow a book, give your lending card to the librarian.
5. Return the book on or before the date written on the card.

How do we use a dictionary to check a word?

Dictionary words are arranged in alphabetical order. Find the first letter of the word, then look at the second and third letters until you reach the word. Read the meaning and the example, then write the word in a sentence of your own.

Evaluation

Choose the correct word from the box to complete each sentence.

catalogue, shelves, lending card, reference, periodicals, encyclopedia

1. A list of all the books in a library is called the ______.
2. Books are placed on ______ in a library.
3. Magazines and journals that come out weekly or monthly are called ______.
4. A book that gives information on many subjects in alphabetical order is an ______.
5. The librarian records the books you borrow on your ______.
6. Dictionaries and atlases are examples of ______ books.

Answer key

1. catalogue
2. shelves
3. periodicals
4. encyclopedia
5. lending card
6. reference

Assignment

Use a dictionary to find the meaning of the words librarian and borrow, and write each meaning in your exercise book. Then complete this sentence: A magazine that is published every week is an example of a ______.

Answer key

• Librarian: the person who takes care of a library and helps readers.
• Borrow: to take something for a short time and then return it.
• Periodical