The Library Resource Centre (LRC)  is run by Mr.J.Byrne and Mrs.Claire O'Brien with the help of pupil librarians. It is open from 9AM to 4PM (Monday to Friday).

You are automatically enrolled as a member of the Library and there are no set days for any particular year. No classes are timetabled to be in the Library during the day, but you will be brought up by your English teacher for reading lessons, and sometimes by other subjects for project work.  The Library is also used for quiet, private study by Sixth Form students.

 

A Range of Activities

Although the LRC is quite small, it does serve our needs and we will be moving into a bigger, purpose -built Library by Christmas. We do not have  silence during  breaks  and lunchtimes since girls will be choosing, borrowing or returning books, doing their homework research, working on the computers, discussing and reading their books, looking at magazines and newspapers, or playing chess and draughts.

 
Our Book Collection

We have books on all curriculum study areas and many non-book resources in the Library. We have a large reference section which includes revision books for KS3, GCSE, and AS/A2 in most subjects. The books are organized using a simple version of the Dewey system, where each subject is given its own number. It is a good idea to get to know some of these numbers, so you will know where to look for your favourite subjects when you go to public libraries.

We have a suggestion box  at the desk for you to give us  the names of any books or authors you think we should have.  Don’t forget to look for information in the encyclopedias at the front of the Library, since these will often have just the right information for your homework, and we will not have a book on every subject.  When you want to borrow a book, you will need a canteen or travel card with your photograph on.  You can borrow up to two books for a maximum of two weeks.

 

Computers and Other Resources

We have 6 PCs which you can book to use.  (There will be about 20 PCs and wifi available in the new LRC). They are linked to the School network and you can search the Internet but  we do monitor their use and so you can only use them for school work. We also keep lists of useful web-sites for different subject areas. We also have other audio-visual equipment, so you will be able to do a range of activities when you come up for project work.  There is a black and white photocopier, but we charge 5p for copies. You will see that we buy 2 daily newspapers and subscribe to a number of magazines for different subject areas, like English, Modern Languages, Science and current affairs. We keep back copies of the magazines and we have cuttings and other materials on a number of  topics.

Induction and Basic Rules

All year 7 girls have an induction to the Library in September, but you cannot learn everything about the Library in one session, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Our main rule is to be polite and considerate to others, but we must also look after our environment, so we do not allow food and drink into the Library area. Look after any books which you borrow and make sure you return them by the date stamped on each book.

 

Pupil Librarians and Citizenship

Many girls volunteer to help in the Library during their break and lunchtimes. They are trained and organised by Mrs. Carroll and they are mainly from  years 7 to 10.  They keep the books tidy, help other girls with their borrowing,  photocopying and book searches, and organise Library events and activities.  Some run our Library stationery shop on a Monday. Others have organised our annual chess competition.  When we have our Book Fairs, they help to sell books.  This valuable contribution by the students provides them with practical work experience and it serves as part of their citizenship contribution to the school community.  We welcome their help. Perhaps you will want to work with us , once you have been at Ellen Wilkinson for a while.
 

Encouragement of Reading

We encourage reading through our annual Book Week and other activities. We promote the Scholastic book clubs and we have organized a number of book fairs. Children’s authors, such as Jacqueline Wilson and Narinder Dhami, have been invited to speak to the girls over a number of years.