Welcome to The Library
Library Coordinator, Rebecca Bartlam, joined the team in 2023, focussed on fostering a love for the library in our students and developing the library as a hub of school life. Ā In 2024 the library was remodelled, to open-up and modernise the space and encourage healthy social interaction. Our focus on promoting reading for pleasure is reflected in our colourful, engaging displays and vibrant, cosy silent reading area, in which students are invited to āsink into a book and a beanbagā
Our books
Our library catalogue is broad and balanced, covering all our curriculum subjects and more. We strive to keep the collection up to date, with newly released non-fiction publications, that are relevant and appealing to teenagers of today. Recent additions to our collection have included:
- Fighting in a World on Fire (2023) The Next Generationās Guide to Protecting the Climate and Saving Our Future
https://polesworth.oliverasp.co.uk/library/home/resources/details/f1e612c90a0a0a1a437bc2a600258a2c
- Failosophy for Teens: A handbook for when things go wrong (2023)
https://polesworth.oliverasp.co.uk/library/home/resources/details/f20684280a0a0a1a468d194c0025ca13
- Future Tense: How we made Artificial Intelligence and how it will change everything (2024)
https://polesworth.oliverasp.co.uk/library/home/resources/details/f2084d910a0a0a1a186e293d0025d0cf
- You Donāt Know What War Is: The diary of a young girl from Ukraine (2022)
https://polesworth.oliverasp.co.uk/library/home/resources/details/f1f64eb50a0a0a1a06c2821a0025afa8
- Nuclear War: A Scenario (2024)
https://polesworth.oliverasp.co.uk/library/home/resources/details/a71180890a0a0a1a660b648e00071bab
- Urban Survival: Streetwise Strategies for Staying Alive (2021)
https://polesworth.oliverasp.co.uk/library/home/resources/details/da84efdd0a0a0a1a70a01fd900360c66
Our extensive fiction collection caters for every taste, showcasing the latest and greatest in modern children and YA fiction. It covers all genres, and we handpick new additions each year, based on the feedback and requests of our students. An annual subscription to Warwickshire School Libraries fortifies and refreshes our collection, with 100 new hire books each year. Ā Ā Those looking to expand their reading prowess and further their literary education, can access our beautiful Millenium Library Collection – a breathtaking A-Z anthology of 266 classics, in matching hardback design. Every classic from Jane Austenās, Mansfield Park, to Emile Zolaās, Germinal can be found here.
IT facilities
Our library is equipped with 14 desktop computers and 15 laptops, available for student use. Students are permitted to use our multifunction printer for schoolwork. Though priority is given to schoolwork, students are welcome to use the desktop computers in social time to practice coding, use creative applications or play Maths and Literacy games. Laptops are for schoolwork only.
Games
A hugely popular feature of the library is our collection of card and board games, such as Chess, Snakes and Ladders, Connect4 and UNO. These games enable our students to come together, connect socially and form new friendships, in the comfort of our library environment.
Sixth Form Area
Even though our Sixth Form students enjoy exclusive use of Tomlinson Hall study centre and social areas, we are keen for them to engage and integrate with the main school, as visible role models for our younger students. We have a dedicated 6th Form area in our main library, with reserved desktop computers, information board and small library of Young Adult (16-18yr) fiction. We are delighted to see many 6th Form students in the library, engaging in study or enjoying social games, on a daily basis.
Opening Hours
The library is open to students and staff: Monday to Thursday: 8am ā 4pm; Friday: 8am ā 3.30pm
Students can use the library before school, during breaks and lunchtime and after school. 6th Form students can also access the library during free/study periods.