If minds are truly alive, they will seek out books, for books are the human race recounting its memorable experiences, confronting its problems, searching for solutions, drawing the blueprints of its future.
~ Harry A. Overstreet ~
Someone once said that a library is not made, it is grown. This is a philosophy which we at the BISR school library embrace. Our library facilities are constantly improving and are therefore able to offer our students and staff the best possible resources to futher their education.
The BISR library is split into 3 sections:
JUNIOR LIBRARY
Recently re-furbished, the Junior Library welcomes Foundation and KS1 students to the exciting world of books and knowledge. We offer an extensive variety of picture books; audio books; quality fiction and non-fiction information books to support the curriculum and foster a life-long love of reading.
Children visit the library once per week in order to borrow and return books. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to help the children with their choices and are always happy to give advice or answer any questions they may have. Once their choice has been made, the children will relax under the “story tree” whilst the Library Assistant reads a special storybook, usually chosen to compliment the current class topic.
MIDDLE LIBRARY
This section welcomes children from KS2 and offers the same wide range of quality resources as they are familiar with, but introduces the students to the Dewey Decimal System and encourages the children to familiarize themselves with the way in which the library shelves and displays its books. The Middle School Library also offers computer terminals for research, quiet study areas and a comfortable, Arabian style seating area for story telling.
SENIOR LIBRARY
Students from KS3 & 4 are welcomed in this section. Library lessons in the upper key stages are an extension of their English lesson and form an integral part of their course. The choice of fiction here is challenging and diverse, whilst the non-fiction range is specifically chosen to support the curriculum and provides essential reading and a valuable research source. The students are encouraged to try different genres to develop their individual tastes and experience the broad spectrum of literature available.
Study carrels provide a safe and secure place for quiet study, together with a bank of computer terminals on which the students can access OPAC (On-line Public Access Catalogue) or follow selected links to further internet resources. The seating area takes the form of Arabian style sofas and encourages the students to relax and immerse themselves in their chosen read.
LIBRARY LOANS
The School Library has a variety of resources for pupils to borrow. Children choose books during their weekly class visit to the Library.
Foundation 1 & 2 pupils may borrow 1 book per time-tabled lesson.
Years 1, 2, 3 & 4 may borrow 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction book per time-tabled lesson.
Years 5 & 6 may borrow 1 fiction and 2 non-fiction per time-tabled lesson.
Years 7, 8, & 9 may borrow 2 fiction and 1 non-fiction per time tabled lesson.
Years 10 & 11 may borrow up to 4 items per time tabled lesson.
From Years 3 upwards, pupils may exchange their Library loans at lunch break and at the After School Homework Club.
When you have chosen your books, check with your teacher that they are happy with your choice. Then take your books to the library desk. The Librarian will issue the books to your library record. The books are now your responsibility. When you return your library books, please make sure you return them to the Library Issue Desk.
Any item required for longer can be renewed. To renew your library loans please take them to the Library Issue Desk.
OPEN ALL HOURS
We believe that the Library should welcome students at all times and our opening times reflect this:
Junior Library Open daily from 07:50 to 13:10
Middle & Senior Libraries Open daily from 07:50 to 14:35
EXTRA SESSIONS
Lunchtimes @ The Library Open daily from 12:45 to 13:10
Homework Club Open daily from 14:35 to 15:35
