The library

The library at Leighton Park is a hive of activity, acting as a shared resource to support interdisciplinary approaches, inspiring teaching and learning and promoting reading for pleasure throughout the School.

ENCOURAGING A LOVE OF READING

One of the main aims of the library is to promote reading for pleasure. This is achieved through an annual programme of activities, events and author visits, including a Book Week held in March. The school participates in the Bookbuzz scheme for Year 7s, the Children’s Book Award, the School Library Association’s Information Book Award, the Carnegie Kate Greenaway Awards and the Berkshire Book Award, which is also sponsored by Leighton Park.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

The library contributes to the Approaches to Learning curriculum for Years 7 and 8 and offers space for independent study for senior students. Wider reading lists for Sixth Form students have been developed in collaboration with all the academic departments. The library subscribes to a range of online resources including Britannica Schools, JSTOR and The Day.

The library at a glance

Opening hours

Open from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Thursday, 8.00am – 4.30pm Friday and Saturday morning for boarders

Expert staff

Three library staff, including two fully qualified librarians

Co-curricular activities

Lunchtime and after school clubs, including three age-related Book Clubs, Prep Club, Fun Friday and Board Games.

Patron of Reading

Our Patron of Reading visits the school three times a year.

Careers Library

Dedicated Careers Library and specialist Careers Advisor

Resources

Over 15,000 resources, including books, DVDs and online resources

Current affairs

Daily newspapers and a wide range of magazines and journals

“You can often get a sense of the school as a whole from the library and its staff. It really does seem to be the case that the better the library, the better the school. I’m very proud, as Patron of Reading, to be working closely with Chris and her staff. Like all thriving libraries, the one at Leighton Park is more than just a place for books. It is somewhere to meet, to think, to discuss, to feel safe, to imagine, to feel challenged, to have fun. And ultimately to see the world as a bigger place.”

Julian Sedgewick | Author and Patron of reading at Leighton Park School (2017-2020)