Library learning resource centre (LRC)
"Reading is everything. Reading makes me feel like I've accomplished something, learned something, become a better person." – Nora Ephron
WELCOME & OPENING HOURS
The School Library is at the heart of our school community, providing a welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring environment where students can read, study, research, and develop a lifelong love of books.
Staff Team:
- Mrs J O'Sullivan – Head of Learning Resources Centre and Librarian
- Ms N Byron – Library Support
Opening Times:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
*Note: All year groups can access the library during these times, including break and lunchtimes.*
FACILITIES, CURRICULUM & TECHNOLOGY
Students have access to a wide range of modern resources:
- Thousands of fiction and non-fiction books tailored for all reading levels.
- Accessit Library Management System: Allows students to search the catalogue and renew their own books easily.
- Curriculum & Reading Lessons: Year 7 and 8 students attend a dedicated library lesson once a week, powered by the Accelerated Reader platform.
- Targeted Support: Reading intervention programmes linked with the SEN and EAL teams.
- Study Assets: Computers with internet access, printing/photocopying facilities, quiet study spaces, and group collaborative areas.
EVENTS, READING AMBASSADORS & EXTRA-CURRICULARS
- World Book Day: Book-themed competitions, costume celebrations, author visits, book giveaways, and interactive quizzes.
- Spooky Readings: Every October, ghost stories, Halloween displays, and supernatural fiction recommendations.
- Romantic Readings: Heart-warming novels, friendship activities, and kindness displays (Display next to the picture of the presentation board).
- Word Millionaire Cupcake Party: Students hitting reading milestones are invited to enjoy cupcakes, games, quizzes, and prize draws.
- Hounslow School Library Services (HSLS): Bridging our girls to borough-wide events like the Hounslow Teen Read, Poetry Slam, and Speed Read challenges.
Reading Ambassadors:
Our Reading Ambassadors are passionate students who promote a positive reading culture, recommend books, help organise library events, create displays, and support younger readers.
LIBRARY RULES & AGE RESTRICTIONS
To help everyone enjoy the space, we ask all students to follow our Code of Conduct:
- Mobile phones are strictly banned in the LRC at all times.
- Respect other library users by keeping noise to a minimum and handling books with care.
- Borrowing Limit: Students may borrow 1 book at a time for two weeks (renewals allowed twice). Staff may borrow 4 books.
- Overdue Policy: Lost or unreturned books must be replaced with a suitable book for the school library.
Book Classification & Age Levels:
- MY (Middle Years): Years 7–8
- YA (Young Adult): Years 9–11
- Sixth Form: Years 12–13
* Rule: Reading outside your designated age category requires a written permission note from home.