Opening times

• Morning ~ 8.00am – 8.40am (Monday – Wednesday)
• Break ~ 11.05am - 11.25am
• Lunch ~ 1.25pm – 2.00pm
• After-school ~ 3.00pm - 4.00pm (Monday – Wednesday)

How many books can I borrow?

You are allowed to borrow up to three books, however, if the need arises you will be allowed to take out extra books (e.g. for homework or project work) provided you see the librarian first.

How long can I borrow a book for?

Books are issued for 2 weeks. If you have not finished with the book after this time, you must bring it back to the library to renew it. You will not be allowed to renew a book if someone else has reserved it.

How do I reserve a book?

If you want to reserve a book just ask the librarian who will reserve it for you on the library computer.

When the book is available the librarian will either let your teacher know or send you an email or note. You will have one week to collect the book before it is put back on the shelves. Please collect as quickly as possible or someone else may have reserved it!

What if my books are overdue?

When you borrow a book it is date stamped for two weeks. It is important that the book is returned or renewed by this date.

If the book is overdue you will be sent a reminder. The library computer system will not allow any other books to be issued to you until the book has been returned or renewed.

If you receive more than three reminders, a letter may be sent to your parents. So make sure you keep a check on your loans!

How do I return books?                         

If your book is overdue then you will have to return it to the librarian or member of staff who is on duty in the library who will then confirm that your library record has been cleared.

What happens if I lose a book?

If a book is lost whilst in your care, then it must be paid for. The librarian will tell you the cost of replacement.

You are responsible for all books issued in your name so please do not borrow books for your friends or ask them to take out books for you.

How do I find a Fiction book?

These are kept on the shelves in A-Z or alphabetical order of the author’s surname e.g.   ASHLEY    BLACKBURN     BURGESS    CHILDS

The Fiction Section of the library also has:

1. A quick read section for those students who prefer to read short stories. Most of our funny stories are kept here.
2. A graphic novels or picture book section for those who enjoy reading through illustrations.

How do I find a Non-fiction book?

Step 1: Decide what subject you are looking for. Each subject has a DEWEY NUMBER.

Step 2: Using the subject Index kept at the counter, look up the subject and find out the Dewey Number. Subjects are listed in alphabetical order.

Step 3: When you have found the number of the subject look for that number of the shelves. Some of the books are kept in numerical order.

To help you find these books some are in theme groups e.g. Cars and bikes or animals.

Many non- fiction books are kept in the Zones. The librarian has a list of these on the library catalogue. Just ask the librarian to check which zone the books can be found in.

Activities in the library

Competitions:

• There will be a competition based on the topic on display in the library – all the answers can be found in the books on display.
• There are topic related word searches and pictures to colour.
• Throughout the year we have an ongoing literacy challenge called the 'Reading Rainbow' – for each colour of the rainbow, you must complete three out of a choice of five tasks. When you finish the work you hand it to the librarian and you will win a book prize and a raffle ticket. The raffle ticket is your chance to win a Kindle.
• We will also promote external competitions in the library.

Exciting news for Year 7 students – you will be given a free reading book, this will then be your book to keep!

Are there any library rules?

Yes, just a few. We want the library to be a place you can come and work or enjoy a book in some peace and quiet. The rules are:

• Come for a particular reason – don’t just wander aimlessly.
• Behave in a quiet and sensible manner at all times.
• Always replace tidily on the shelves in the correct place and if in doubt ask the librarian.
• No chewing, eating or drinking unless it is water!
• If the library is full at lunchtime you may be asked to wait until there is space to sit.
• Anyone who repeatedly misuses the library will be banned from using the library or until the librarian is satisfied that you are able to use the library sensibly.

So what else is there?

       1. Newspapers and Magazines –  Weekly Newspaper – First News

The library does have a small number of newspapers and magazines and is planning to buy more in the future. The current issues are not to be taken away from the library. Some back issues may be taken out on loan but ask the librarian.

       2. Reference books

There are Encyclopaedias, dictionaries and atlases in the library. These can be found in the non-fiction section of the library and will be marked ‘Reference’. These can only be used in the library and cannot be taken away.

      3. Library computerised catalogue.

This is the computer that the librarian uses to checkbooks, issue them and add them to the library stock. Please ask if you want to check if a book is held in the library if you can’t find it on the shelves.