We are very fortunate at Brigidine to have separate libraries dedicated to both our Junior and Senior pupils. Our Senior Library contains over 8,500 items covering a wide range of resources, including, fiction, non-fiction, daily newspapers, magazines and DVDs. The Library is staffed by a Chartered Librarian who is on hand to provide guidance and support from 8.30am to 4pm on a daily basis.
Library Research Skills
On joining the School, all Year 7 pupils participate in a Library Induction course which introduces them to the necessary research skills they need to support their work at school. All pupils are trained on how to use the online library catalogue system, OLIVER.
Senior classes visit the Library on a regular basis to develop their research skills particular at the start of a school project. Recent examples include Years 7 and 8 Art classes using resources to research a specific artist or technique. A Year 8 English group participated in a Balloon debate having received books from the Booktrust initiative, BookBuzz. Years 7-9 are currently participating in the 2013 Berkshire Book Award, nominating, reading and voting for the winning title. It is a great way to try different genres and authors.
Activities
Our School is a keen participant in Library events including the Berkshire Book Festival, World Book Day and Shadowing the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards. Book Fairs are held annually each October during Children’s Book Week. It is an opportunity for pupils to view books in a relaxed atmosphere and parents are encouraged to visit.
Visitors
The Library is an extremely active and lively place with many activities taking place throughout the school day. These include inter-house quizzes, book groups, and clubs and play reading. We also organize regular visits by authors and storytellers, recent visits include authors Sophie McKenzie, Ed Wicke and Kimberly Greene plus storytellers John Harris and S C Ransom.
Access to external libraries
We do encourage all pupils to become members of their local public library. Public libraries now offer a 24/7 access to online libraries which will compliment resources available in school and support homework projects. For further details on how to contact your local library please use the following links:-
Windsor & Maidenhead Libraries http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/libraries_joining.htm
Slough Libraries http://www.slough.gov.uk/libraries/
Buckinghamshire Libraries http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/libraries/libraries.page?
Surrey County Council (covering Staines, Ashford, Sunbury) http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries
Reading is a key skill strongly encouraged and supported here at Brigidine; the Library is a great place to develop that skill. We look forward to welcoming you to our Library and answering any further questions.
Updated January 2013
