The Library provides an excellent centre of learning for the entire school. It is located adjacent to the Front Hall, in a serene and beautiful room overlooking The Terrace and with views across to the Isle of Wight. It is a quiet place for reading and study and is always open to pupils, staff, parents and visitors to the school.
The School Library
The aim of the Library is to encourage each child to gain confidence in their abilities and to develop their love of reading.
All children are expected to have a reading book (see The List below) and the range of materials available is constantly updated and adjusted to suit the abilities and interests of pupils. Non fiction materials are updated regularly to ensure a supply of attractive and interesting books, as well as keeping pace with the changing Schemes of Work.
The Library is managed by a dedicated, friendly and knowledgeable librarian who works closely with all members of staff to ensure the children have access to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, together with a good selection of audio books, newspapers and periodicals. There is also a study area equipped with laptops.
Taught Lessons
The children in Years Three to Eight have a taught Library lesson each week during which they are advised and recommended on books to read, taught library skills such as using the Dewey-Decimal system and learn research skills.
The List
The Library also produces ‘The List’ which is a reading list of recommended books suitable and appropriate for each age group. There are three ‘Lists’: the Yellow List for Years Three and Four, the Blue List for Years Five and Six, and the Green List for Years Seven and Eight. Books in the Library are marked with the corresponding colour to assist and encourage identification.
Computerised System
All library material is available for loan through the computerised system, ‘Alice’, which allows staff and children access through their thumb-print, thus making the library secure, simple and instantly available. Thumbprints are removed from the system when a child leaves Hordle Walhampton.
The Library Committee
The aim of the Library Committee is to further the educational and cultural development of the library. One pupil from each year form (Years Three – Eight), a representative from each of the boarding houses and the pupil librarians all attend together with the Head of English and the Librarian.
Members of the Committee are responsible for representing the views of pupils in their form or boarding house, suggesting new materials/facilities for the Library, choosing books for the Class Resource Boxes and encouraging others to use the Library well.
The Library’s computerised cataloguing is currently being networked in order that all library resources may be accessed from any computer within the school.