Library and Resource Centre

“The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library” – Albert Einstein

Northfield School Library and Resource Centre is welcoming and inclusive space for all pupils to use throughout the school day. A place to Read, Learn, Discover and Imagine, giving pupils access to a world of books to engage them in a love of reading.

Mission Statement

In the Library we aim to support Northfield School in its vision to create a happy and stimulating learning environment where every pupil and member of staff feel safe, valued and motivated. The Library is at the heart of the school community where knowledge, reading and new experiences can inspire and broaden their horizons.

The Library Team is led by Mrs Cady and Ms Healey (Librarians) along with teachers who support during opening times to guide pupils. We have an enthusiastic team of Student Librarians from years 8 to 11, who volunteer on a regular basis, undertake training and take on library tasks to assist the running of the Library.

Our Library provides:

• A calm friendly environment with spacious study areas, comfortable seating and reading areas.
• 12,000+ items of stock including fiction, non-fiction and reference books.
• An extensive non-fiction stock to support wider reading within the curriculum.
• A large selection of new, up to date fiction titles including Super Readable and Young Adult - Fiction+ sections to cater for the full range of ages and abilities of pupils.
• A choice of over 5,000 books labelled for Accelerated Reader.
• Access to computers for homework and research.
• Weekly activities including Book Club, puzzles and colouring.

• Board games and chess are available.

• Newspapers, magazines and comics are available to read.

• Literary events are held throughout the year including author visits.

Open for pupils five days a week including before and after school, break and lunchtime. Every pupil is a member of the Library, pupils are responsible for taking care of books they borrow and retuning them on time, their reading book is part of their school equipment and should be brought to school every day. We have a 3-week loan period and books can be renewed if they require longer. After the loan time they will receive an email reminder and if the books are not returned parents will then be notified. We do not fine for late books but if a book is lost or damaged, then we will ask for a donation from parents towards the replacement cost. We also offer book reservations and requests so pupils can ask us for any book and we will do our best to get them a copy.

Open for pupils five days a week including before and after school, break and lunchtime. Every pupil is a member of the library, pupils are responsible for taking care of books they borrow and returning them on time, their reading book is part of their school equipment and should be brought to school every day.

We have a 3-week loan period and books can be renewed if they require longer. After the loan time they will receive an email reminder and if the books are not returned parents/carers will then be notified. We do not fine for late books but if a book is lost or damaged, then we will ask for a donation towards the replacement cost. We also offer book reservations and requests so pupils can ask us for any book, and we will do our best to get them a copy to loan.

Pupils, parents and staff can use the Online School Library to search for books easily.

Link -  Northfield School and Sports College

A complete database of all the library has to offer along with links to curriculum recommended reads and book lists for key topics including Mental Health and Wellbeing, LGBTQ+, Multi-Cultural titles and Year Group recommended reading lists. These are updated regularly to link topical issues and awareness days. All recommended books are available for pupils to borrow from the library.

The running of the library is supported by a team of pupil volunteers who are selected through an application process and then complete training for the role of Student Librarian. A love of reading is essential for the role as is upholding the Northfield school values, anyone interested can speak to Mrs Cady or Ms Healey in the library.

We want to inspire a lifelong love of reading and organise a range of themed events, author visits and competitions throughout the school year. Information about future events is shared regularly on teams, social media and displays in the library.