What should a librarian do if a third grader's checked-out book is two months overdue?

When managing overdue books, it is essential to balance responsibility with support for the child and their family. In this scenario, reaching out to the parents and requesting the return of the overdue book reflects a proactive approach to resolving the issue. This method ensures that the parents are aware of the situation and can encourage the child to return the book.

Communication with the parents can foster a sense of accountability and may help in retrieving the book more swiftly, as they may not have been informed of the overdue status. This approach is also more conducive to maintaining a positive relationship between the library and the family, ensuring that the student feels supported rather than penalized for the oversight.

By involving the parents directly, the librarian can effectively address the situation while considering the child's age and understanding. This approach helps instill a sense of responsibility in the student without creating undue stress for them, promoting a constructive learning environment around the importance of returning resources on time.