Latest update Spring 2021
The Library remains closed to pupils, but you can still connect with Strathearn Library online.
Visit Library Life on Microsoft Teams for Library news, challenges, recommendations and information about competitions.
The Library will be offering a limited lending service. You can browse the Library catalogue on MySchool to see what books we have. Click here for a reminder on how to do that.
You can also check out our new series of I Want to Read... lists of recommended reading or contact Dr Haire directly for personal book suggestions.
About the library
In the course of a school day, the library supports learning and teaching formally and informally, and offers pupils a space to study as well as to relax during break and lunch time. The library’s large windows and skylights flood it with natural light. In addition to desk space for 24 pupils, there are 6 PCs used mainly for browsing the library catalogue and conducting research online. The library has its own interactive whiteboard for use of teaching staff. Senior pupils may request access to the library’s small study, which has spots for 14 students. The library also has 24 comfy seats where pupils can sit back and enjoy reading in the calm of the library.
The library boasts an excellent range of resources. There are more than 12,500 fiction and non-fiction books on the shelves, along with online resources, DVDs and periodicals.
Usually, the library is used regularly by junior English classes who come to browse and borrow from the fiction shelves. First years conduct a scavenger hunt in the stacks by way of induction into the library. Senior pupils use the library for research and private study. The library often welcomes classes from across the subject areas who come to explore its holdings for special projects or coursework. This presents an excellent opportunity for pupils to develop their skills as independent learners.
At break and lunchtimes, pupils use the library to complete school work, print in black and white or colour, and borrow books. The lending desk is open during junior library periods and at break and lunch times for pupils and staff at the school to borrow, return and renew books. The librarian is on hand to help pupils choose the next book they would like to borrow or to direct students to the most helpful resources for school work.
Library Team
The library derives much of its wonderful energy from the dedicated team of pupils which ordinarily volunteers to support the librarian in its day to day running. Students who commit to being part of the Library Team learn all about how the library works. In addition to undertaking shelving, cataloguing and helping pupils locate books, they operate the library’s Eclipse system and contribute to special projects during the year. Pupils earn certificates in recognition of the skills they develop, which are awarded at a special ceremony at the end of the school year. The library also has a Library Committee made up of sixth form pupils, which contributes to the planning and running of library events.
Book Club
At lunchtime on Thursdays, the library is filled with the buzz of book lovers discussing their latest adventures in reading. Drawing its membership from across the school, pupils from first form up to upper sixth come along to Book Club where they share their thoughts about reading with one another. The atmosphere is friendly, and new members are always welcome. Book Club is being conducted online for the time being.
Library charity efforts
Each year, the library works to support a chosen charity by raising funds at a staff coffee morning. This year, the library committee has decided to support the purchase of travelling libraries in India. Donkey-drawn, these termite-proof boxes provide an invaluable resource for villages which have no library.
Library events and activities
During the year, the library usually runs a range of events designed to promote a love of reading, including a popular annual book fair and visits to the school by authors.
Recommended Reading - coming soon!
The library offers curated lists of books by Key Stage. Click here soon to open the PDFs of the reading lists which comprise books available in the library. A mixture of modern and classic fiction, poetry and drama, these lists offer a glimpse of what the library has to offer.
Useful links
The library offers access to a number of online resources. Contact the librarian for more information.
