― Annie Dillard, The Living
Our library mission is to provide an effective library that is bespoke to the needs of ABK students. We aim to provide a safe and inclusive space for our students to explore new worlds, conduct research, and even play games.
Since September 2021, we have strived at Alderbrook to encourage a balance of promoting learning and relaxation by creating a new library environment that is both comfortable and practical.
We have a vast selection of both fiction and non-fiction for students to read and borrow. There are four computer stations for online research and homework, as well as twenty desk spaces for study or silent hobbies such as drawing. We also have multiple sofas and armchairs, perfect for curling up in with a book.
We’ve been working hard to turn our new library into an inclusive and safe space. We have purchased a large number of new books by ethnic minority authors and books promoting diversity and inclusion. We’ve created a space that celebrates reading in all its forms including fanfiction, graphic novels and subtitled anime.
At ABK we strive to help promote reading by encouraging our students to read for pleasure and as an act of mindfulness. We’re proud of our new library space and the students who make regular use of it to relax and do homework. Student engagement has been phenomenal so far this year and we hope to see it grow even more.
Miss Yeomans is a well-loved member of staff at Alderbrook, and has made a huge difference to the learning of countless pupils in her role in student support. Stepping into her new role as librarian, Miss Yeomans has worked hard to ensure that the library is an inclusive and welcoming place to all students.
Reading Cloud is the system students can use to check our catalogue and manage their own book loans. Students should know their logins, but if not, they should come to talk to our librarian. Once logged in, students can create a personalised profile and list their favourite books and authors. They can create their own blog around books they are currently reading and make reading lists of books they have read or would love to read in the future.
Pupils in Key Stage 3 at Alderbrook are set weekly reading homework on Sparx Reader.
To borrow a book, bring the book of your choice to the desk where the librarian will ask your surname, find you on the system and then scan the barcode inside the book.
Students can borrow books for 2 weeks at a time. You can renew them at any time if you wish to borrow them for longer.
Students can borrow 2 books at any one time.
To return a book, place it in the purple box labelled ‘returns’ on your way into the library. The librarian will then scan them back in at the end of the day.
If your book is overdue, a reminder will be sent to your parents. If not returned, a second reminder will be sent before the book is marked as lost. If the book is not returned, the librarian will phone home. If not returned, you will be issued a 30-minute detention before the record is cleared.
Not during the school day. The computers are for homework and research. If a student is trustworthy, they may be allowed to access some games afterschool during club time.
No. The school rule is that no phones are allowed to be used around the school, including the library. This also includes Sixth Formers. If a phone is seen out in the library, it will be confiscated.
Yes, absolutely. We encourage Sixth Formers to use the library during their free study periods. You simply need to sign in on the form on the librarian’s desk.
