The School Library
Books
Our Library contains approximately 14,000 volumes. There is a large collection of fiction to interest all age groups, a reference section, foreign language books, resource books for all the subjects studied at secondary level as well as books of general interest. Pupils in years 7 - 11 may have 2 books on loan and years 12 and 13, 5 books. Most books may be borrowed for four weeks, but my be renewed if they are not requested by other readers. Books with blue spine labels are for reference only in the Library. We are constantly updating our stock and encourage pupils to suggest books which they would like to see in their school library.
Collection of Audio CassettesVideos and Audio Cassettes
There is a good selection of feature films, as well as films in foreign languages - including French, Spanish and German. The Library also has a collection of general interest videos. Videos are issued for two days. Videos my also be viewed in the Library (with headphones!). A booking system operates to ensure that everyone gets a chance to use this facility. The school Library has many audio cassettes, mainly fiction in the 'Talking Book' format. There is also a DVD player and the Library is building a collection of DVDs. Donations of suitable films are welcomed from parents.
Information File
The Library holds a collection of newspaper cuttings on topical issues. This resource is well used by both pupils and staff for information for projects.
Accessit Circulation System
Book circulation is managed via the Accessit circulation system. Readers are issued with a bar-coded ticket and can use the system to search the catalogue of books online from any computer in the school. A colour copy of the front cover of the book appears in the results to make searching easier. Students then have the ability to reserve the book of their choice.
Newspapers and Journals
Daily Newspapers: The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Independent, The Times,
Journal Titles: BBC History Magazine, Birds, Dance Now, Dance Theatre Journal, Dancing Times, Dialogue, National Geographic, New Scientist. Psychology Review, Marie Claire (French Issue), Vogue, Sight & Sound and a wide selection of foreign language journals supporting the languages studied in the curriculum.(Many thanks to parents who kindly donate some of these titles).
Study Facilities
There is ample space in the Library for private study. During the lunch break, many pupils come to the Library to use the reference books or to sit and read. Some pupils stay after school to use the Library.
SLGGS LibraryPhotocopying
A coin operated photocopier is available in the Library office. The copier can enlarge and reduce and colour copies are available at a cost of 15p per page, any size.
Pupil Induction
In their first two weeks at the school, all year 7 pupils are given an introduction to the Library. This includes a tour of the Library, a talk about how the Library functions and a Library exercise which will help them find their way around the Library. Pupils in the upper years are given refresher Library sessions as they progress through the school.
SLGGS LibraryStaffing
The Library is staffed by a Librarian, an assistant, 2 Head Pupil Librarians and a team of Sixth Form girls. We welcome and expect any enquiries that pupils may have. The Library also has a team of junior pupil librarians made up of girls from lower years.
Book Jacket Competiton
An annual book jacket competition is held at the beginning of Year 7 and is an ideal opportunity to introduce students to the Library alongside their induction.
Book Club
Book Club is held in the Library every Tuesday lunchtime and is open to all years.
Student Comments about the Library
Emily Willett Yr 12: "The Library is a necessity to any studies. It provides a quiet , comfortable area in which it is possible to privately work with the assistance of a range of reasearch material. There are a variety of books available in a variety of subjects making the Library a useful facility for girls of all year groups. For sixth form girls particularly, it provides an alternative to the sixth-form study area and an alternative with more reference material. Also, having both books and computers to hand in one area allows girls to work more productively and efficiently, making the Library essential to successs in their studies."
Azalya Werner Yr 9: "I enjoy the Library because it has a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books as well as ideas. it is a good place to come to do homework or relax and read. We can also watch videos which is great. I am a helper at the Library and enjoy it a lot! It gives you a chance help out, sorting the books and to read."
Catherine Wood Yr 7: "I enjoy the Library as it is a place where you can relax and read in peace. Also, I really enjoy reading the new books. There are DVDs and videos in the corner to watch so that is great. So that is why I like the Library."
Anastasia Bow-Bertrand Yr 12: "The Library offers a large number of resources for both study and pleasure. There is a wide variety of information, newspapers, maps, videos, tapes as well as an archive of newspaper cuttings. There are non-fiction books covering most subjects of interest whilst the fiction section is varied and caters for all ages. I find the Library a place of relaxation and an easy place to study."
Jessica Clements and Jasmine Cleaver Yr 9: "The Library is a great place to spend your lunchtime with a quiet book or homework without anyone disturbing your thoughts. The Library has a large range of resources including books, tapes, videos etc and they are all very easy to find with the help of very friendly librarians. It has very up-to-date books that are organised neatly.
Helen Blomfield Yr 12: "By far the best place in the school to study is the Library. Resources including daily newspapers and textbooks are always on hand and easy to find. There is a wide range of fictional books which appeals to all year groups."
