Library
Welcome to the GPHS Library Page! My name is Michelle Costilla and I am GP High School's Library Media Specialist. I am a former WILDCAT, so that makes working for GP an extra honor! This is my 19th year with this outstanding district!
Contact Information:
mcostilla@g-pisd.org
361-777-4251 ext: 6024
- GPHS Library Mission
- GPHS Library Calendar
- Destiny
- Destiny Discover
- Sora
- TexQuest
- Learning Express Library
- New Books in our Library
- Ozobots
- ID Card
- FAQ's
- Advisory
GPHS Library Mission
The G-P High School Library mission is to support the curriculum for both our students and staff, to provide a welcoming environment, and to promote learning and the love of reading. We offer a variety of resources including books, magazines, databases, and computer access to help provide the information our students need. My goal for our school library is to be the welcoming heart of our school where all come to learn, discover, create, and connect.
GPHS Library Calendar
Destiny
Destiny is what we use for our library catalog. A library catalog is a listing of all of the materials available in the library. Click the Destiny red link to access our online library catalog.
Destiny Discover
Destiny Discover allows you to remotely access your school's library catalog from home or other locations. From here you can access eBooks and audiobooks to check out and read. To get started follow these directions:
* Scroll down to eBooks
* Click on see all
Once you are here you will have access to your school's eLibrary. Remotely from home you can access eBooks and audio books. You will notice on the left-hand side of each eBook there is a little triangle that tells you if the books are in, out, or have unlimited access. The little blue symbol that looks like an 8 on its side means that the book has unlimited multi-user checkout access.
Please note that you can also search at the top to find texts of specific titles and genres. Also, notice that there is a log in option here (top right-hand side). Although you can see the text available you will not be able to read anything until you have logged in. You will use the same username and password you use to log onto a school computer. If you are a teacher and would like to access these texts please contact me for information on how you can log in.
Happy Reading!!
Sora
I am so excited that our District has announced that GP is providing FREE digital library books and materials for ALL currently enrolled students via "Sora" Online Library. Our district has joined Overdrive's Region 2 Consortium. Overdrive is a company that provides digital library services (i.e., eBooks and digital audiobooks for patrons to check out). Sora is their app for school libraries. There is a link to Sora on Clever.
There are many benefits to using Sora Digital Library. Students have 24/7 access to digital content all year long, including summers. There are no overdue books, books are returned automatically after 2 weeks. Sora is easy to use on a variety of platforms: app, Kindle, online, etc...
Read below to get started with Sora!
With Sora, you can borrow free ebooks and audiobooks from your school.
1. Install the Sora (by Overdrive) app on your personal device or go to https://soraapp.com/library/texasr2tx
2. In Sora, find Gregory-Portland ISD. Our district is part of the Texas Region 2 Area Schools group. Then sign in with you school username/email address and password/ID#. Under the menu options, you can also link to the public library with your public library card and PIN number.
3. Browse the Explore tab and borrow a book or audio. Your book will open so you can start reading or listening right away.
4. Close the book and go to your Shelf to see all your books (including books assigned by teachers). From there you can:
* Tap Open Book or Open Audiobook to read or listen to the book.
* Tap Options to renew or return the book, get to your notes and highlights, and more.
TexQuest
TexQuest- TexQuest is a statewide digital resources program that provides anytime, anywhere access to high quality, authoritative digital resources to all educators, students, and students' immediate families in Texas K-12 public schools and open enrollment charter schools. If you need passwords to any of the TexQuest resouces please contact me at mcostilla@g-pisd.org.
Learning Express Library
EBSCO LearningExpress Library is part of our TexQuest resources. The LearningExpress Library is a highly acclaimed eLearning solutions suite that provides interactive tutorials, practice tests, eBooks, flashcards, articles for academic skill building, and standardized test preparation for PSAT, SAT, AP, ASVAB, TSI, and more!
Follow the directions below to gain access to EBSCO LearningExpress Library:
1. LearningExpress Library (click on the red link)
2. Enter your District Name- Gregory Portland ISD
3. Enter Password- See Ms. Costilla or your teacher for the password.
4. Register
You will have to register by creating a personal account in order to save your work in progress, store score reports, and revisit any practice tests, tutorials, or eBooks. Registration only requires a valid email address and password. Your email address will become your username and will be used for password reset if needed.
New Books in our Library
Ozobots
We are so excited to have Ozobots in our library! Ozobots provide students with access to both high quality new media tools and learning opportunities that introduce computational thinking and computer science concepts.
Ozobots are tiny, programmable robots that drive on lines and use sensors to "see" colors drawn on white paper or a screen using the Ozobot Evo app. Students create programs that tell the Ozobot what to do when it "sees" certain colors in specific patterns on the lines they draw. Students use Ozobot's color coding language to make the program.
Ozobot Video- Click on the link to view an informative video about Ozobots that was recorded and produced by GPTV.
Stop by the library to check out an Ozobot!
ID Card
ID card- Are you needing an ID card? You have come to the right place! Click on the link and fill out the form and I will deliver your ID straight to your classroom.
FAQ's
1. Do I need a library card?
No you do not. You do need to know your ID# in order to check out books.
2. How many books can I check out at once?
You may check out 2 books at one time.
3. How long can I keep my books?
You may keep a book for two weeks. If you are not finished with the book, you may re-check the same book. Simply stop by the library or send me an email to mcostilla@g-pisd.org indicating that you would like to re-check out your books.
4. What happens if a book gets lost or damaged?
If a book gets lost or damaged, you must pay for it.
5. How much is it to replace my ID card?
If you need to replace your ID card, the cost is $5.00.
6. Do I go to the library to get my ID card replaced?
Yes, if you need to replace your ID, please stop by the library or visit the page on our library website called "ID Card," and fill out the form.
Advisory
Do you need to work on a project or conduct research? If so, the library is a great place to be! If you need to reserve a spot in the library you may do so on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The library will have 15 spots available on Tuesdays and Thursdays and spots will be issued to seniors first, juniors, sophomores, then freshmen. Reservations must be requested 2 days before your reservation date request in order to issue a pre-pass before your advisory class.
Click on the red link below or scan the QR code to fill out the Form to reserve your spot in the library today! You will receive an email confirming your reservation and informing you that your Library Advisory Pre-Pass is ready for pick up.
Things to Remember:
~ Reservations may only be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reservation will not be taken on testing days or any other days the library is reserved for meetings.
~You must reserve your spot by filling out the Form below 2 days before the reservation request date.
~You must enter the library with your pre-pass no later than 2:06pm.
~ Please ensure you take care of any business before entering the library. Once you have checked in you won't be allowed to leave until the bell rings.
Library Advisory Reservation Request