Located centrally within the school, the library is a key supplier of resources for the curricular and recreational needs of students and staff. It is open throughout the day from 8.15am to 4.30pm. Sixth formers are encouraged to use the library for research, and a number of them act as library prefects during break and lunchtimes. Help is also provided by a team of volunteer parent helpers.

Resources in the library include 14,000 fiction and information books, journals, newspapers, eBooks and audiobooks, as well as a collection of book related DVDs. There are 12 networked chromeboxes and 30 Chromebooks, all of which have internet access. A printer/photocopier is available for student use.

The library staff offer help and guidance to the students on the selection and use of materials and seek to foster in them a love of reading. The fiction stock is wide in scope in order to appeal to all tastes and abilities and its use is promoted through new book displays, subject reading lists, themed bookmarks and a book review board. All year 7 students undergo a library induction course during their first term to help develop skills in locating, retrieving and evaluating resources. These skills are then reinforced through curriculum-based projects during years 7 – 9. 

During their first weeks at school students will be taught where everything is in the library, and how to find and borrow books using our online Library catalogue:

In addition, eBooks and audiobooks are available via our eplatform:

We use the Accelerated Reader programme with Years 7, 8 and 9 to encourage regular reading, and students can access Accelerated Reader quizzes online via the Library Chromebooks. Students are also very welcome to pay the LRC a visit during any break or lunchtime, in order to change books, use the computers or simply sit and read.

There are books and resources to suit everyone, from Year 7 to Sixth Formers, from those who devour books to those  who are not quite so keen. The fiction is divided up into categories (such as Quick Reads, Romances etc) to help with browsing and each section is clearly marked.

The information books also cater for all ages and abilities, with a particularly good range of resources for the sixth form. Girls in the lower school may borrow up to four books at a time, while those in Years 12 and 13 have a ten book allowance. Items are normally issued for three weeks.

Our other resources include access to national newspapers, a newspaper aimed directly at young people, over twenty curriculum based journals, leisure magazines, and a fast expanding collection of DVDs (mainly dramatised books, plays and foreign language films).

The computers are available throughout the school day and all are internet connected. Each machine can be individually monitored, so sensible use is expected at all times.

Extra- curricular activities include visits from authors such as Sarah Crossan and Holly Smale, as well as participation in the Carnegie Medal shadowing scheme. 

The Library also runs a scheme called ‘STAGS Reads’, where the whole school community is encouraged to participate in reading a particular book to earn house points. Past books have included ‘Rosa Parks: My Story’ and  ‘A Seven Letter Word’ by Kim Slater.

LIBRARY LINKS

Books & Reviews

• Love Reading 4 Kids
• The Guardian - books for children and teenagers
• Book Trust Bookfinder
• YAK Books by Reading Matters

Recommended Reading lists are attached below:

LIBRARY RESOURCES

• Approx 14,000 books
• 2,500 eBooks and Audiobooks
• DVDs
• Newspapers and magazines
• Networked computers

For updates on LRC events and activities, please follow or have a look at the STAGS LRC Twitter Page.