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Library

Located on the top floor of the Mitchell Building since Autumn 2020, the library now offers a spacious and tranquil environment that supports learning across the school community. With more than three times the floor space of the Old Library, we can accommodate c. 75 students in various zones; whether you’re looking for somewhere to get your homework done, prepare for external exams or read quietly without being disturbed, there is an ideal space for you in the New Library.

The library is open 8.00 – 5.00 Monday – Thursday, 8.00 – 4.00 on Fridays and staffed at all times by one of the librarians. Open to all members of the school community before and after school as well as during break and lunch time, we also welcome sixth formers coming to the library to work quietly during timetabled study periods. The adjoining conference room can be booked for small classes or quiet group work and will host the numerous reading groups that meet regularly during the year.

Years 7 – 9 will find their fortnightly library lessons with their English teacher take place in a dedicated classroom area within the library, situated at the St. John’s Road end of the building. Here they will be encouraged to read a range of fiction genres, as well as develop their research skills.

 

RESOURCES

Our Library Information System – Accessit – has details of the c. 8,000 resources in our physical catalogue, ranging from novels to reference books, DVDs to A’ Level Revision Guides. Via Accessit we offer a host of reading lists, access to numerous digital newspapers and magazines and information about book groups, library activities etc. Accessit’s One Search function can also be used to carry out a targeted search of the internet. You can view the WebApp and browse the catalogue here:

 Skinners' School Library Web App

Recent events have meant that the physical resources in the library aren’t always easily accessible for some users, so we are delighted to be able to offer Wheelers ebooks free of charge to the School Community. You can browse and borrow from the ecatalogue here:

 https://skinnerss.eplatform.co/

Login to both Accessit and Wheelers ebooks is via students’ usual school login username and password.

Whether you are looking to do a homework assignment, course work or some school-related research, you are welcome to book one of the library laptops, for use in the library.

We subscribe to a selection of Hodder Review Magazines, to support the A’ Level curriculum, as well as national and local newspapers and a selection of general interest magazines.

Colour and black & white printing/photocopying for students’ work or reference only resources is available at a reasonable cost and a selection of essential stationery can be purchased at cost price.

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

The Homework Hub is located in the library Monday – Thursday 3.35 – 5.00: all pupils are welcome to attend, whether regularly or on an occasional basis.

The librarians run two Book Groups during the school Year as part of the Reading for Pleasure initiative. Meetings take place at lunchtime in a relaxed atmosphere:

o   Page Turners is a themed book award (November – March) with an annual Award Ceremony held locally in March

o   The Carnegie Shadowing Group (March – June) is a national book award that culminates in a Balloon Debate held in June with other local schools

 

 Photo credit:  Bell Phillips Architects, Kilian O'Sullivan