Library Information
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 8:40am—3:40pm
Loan Limits: Each student may borrow up to 2 books for a period of 2 weeks.
Borrowing/Returning/Renewing Books: Books should always be brought to the Help Desk so that they can be scanned through the computerised library management system.
Our Library
At St Paul’s, the library is at the heart of the school. It is a busy working environment for both staff & students and always bustling with activities. As well as independent study and private revision, the library is also used by our Key Stage Three classes, who all have a timetabled lesson with Mrs Tutla. Each lesson is designed to help and encourage students with reading for pleasure, and an insight to new authors and genres.
The library also supports our whole school literacy programme which is hugely important in supporting the academic study of our students and their emotional and extra-curricular wellbeing. Reading for pleasure plays a key role in raising attainment. Students have access to a wide selection of books both fiction and non-fiction, study guides, computers, book club, Carnegie club and activities throughout their entire academic time at St Pauls.
Our staff
The library is managed by Mrs Tutla and assisted by a very lovely and enthusiastic group of Student Librarians. Student Librarians are from across Key Stage Three and Four who support the library at break and lunch times. They are available to support students with checking out and returning books. They can also recommend the next book choice! It is always exciting to see students sharing their love of reading with each other. It is a very special responsibility, and the Student Librarians do it with pride.
Book Club
The school runs a form time book club. This is an amazing opportunity for students to start off the day with reading for pleasure. There are 30 spaces available during each form time and it is by membership only. Book club is very popular and is open to all students and staff. Currently there are 90 members in book club, and they are all reading varied texts as groups.
We create a pathway for young people to discover the wider world through reading for pleasure and discussion. It helps pupils develop character, communication, social and leadership skills. These skills will help young people to do well in school and moreover, book club will demonstrate how reading for pleasure provides an escape from everyday concerns.
Carnegie Club
The Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing is awarded annually to a children’s book author whose writing creates an outstanding reading experience. It was established in 1936 in memory of the Scottish-born philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, founder of more than 2800 libraries.
St Paul’s Library hosts the Carnegie Event. Students and staff take part in the shadowing process of the shortlisted books for both medals Writing and Illustration. It is the best time in school as students look forward to the winners of their choice as well as enjoying a book celebration at the end. Students also have a chance to vote for the nominations alongside with choosing a St Pauls Carnegie Winner book of the next academic year.
The Reading strategy for St Paul’s Library
Reading Environment
Classrooms and all school areas provide a print rich environment to promote the importance of reading. Reading displays form a part of that environment. Examples of such displays include – book corners, collections of favourite books attractively displayed, book reviews, book of the week, author displays and collections of books on a similar theme that help to develop enthusiasm.
Hearing Books Read Aloud
Library lessons provide an opportunity for model reading. Reading support in class, book club and library lesson.
This builds enthusiasm and enjoyment. It influences independent reading and tunes students in to book language. Whilst in school, students are taught the skills they need to become effective readers. They should then practice and fine tune those skills.
Parental Involvement
Co-operation and support from parents are paramount if a student is to become a successful and competent reader. At St Pauls we strive to develop and encourage a strong partnership between home and school. It is our library policy to send reading books home regularly.
Library Events
Read a book week | New Year new books | International Women’s Day |
Roald Dahl | Christian Unity week | Lent and Ramadhan |
National Poetry day | World Book Day | Easte |
Black History Month | Book Trust Authors | Anthology |
Harvest Festival | Carnegie Read/Awards | Eid/Vaisakhi |
Diwali | Holocaust Memorial | Mental Health Awareness |
Remembrance Day | Diversity and Inclusion | Genres |
Classic Literature | Chinese/Lantern Festival | Shakespeare Week |
Black History Month | National Story Telling Week | Celebrations/Reflections |
Christmas | Refugee Week | St Paul’s Readathon |
Current Student Librarians
Yusuf and Iqra
Marcella and Bailey
Afrin and Alindrena
Celio and Vrinda
Marco and Caleb