Library

Welcome to STAGS Library

Located centrally within the school, the library is a key supplier of resources for both 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/quiet study 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 18,500 fiction and information books, journals, newspapers and audio books as well as a growing collection of book related DVDs. There are 13 networked computers, all of which have internet access. A 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.

Library reception

During your first weeks at school you will be taught where everything is in the library and how to find and borrow books.
After that, you will no doubt come with your teachers to work on projects. You are also very welcome to pay us a visit during any break or lunchtime, in order to change your books, use the computers or simply sit and read.

Selection of books

There are books and resources to suit everyone, from Year 7 to sixth formers, from those of you who devour books to those of you 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, but be warned, if you do not return or renew your books by the end of this period, you will have to pay a fine of 5p a day on each book.

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

Computers in the Library 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 author visits (Karen McCombie, who writes the Ally’s World series, was our last guest), participation in the Red House Children’s Book Award and visiting the Schools’ Library Service to take part in reading events.