Library Resources

Christ's Hospital School Library is a centrally positioned facility which houses the school's main collection of printed resources to support curricular subjects and extra-curricular interests. All pupils in each of their first 4 years enjoy one dedicated reading period per week, and are supported and encouraged to foster a reading habit. Literacy is promoted as a key foundation for all learning.

Facilities and Use

Rachel Fisher studying in the school libraryThe Main Library offers the following facilities:

  • Around 4500 Fiction books
  • Over 10 000 Non-Fiction books
  • A wide selection of quality DVDs
  • 4 PCs with a printer, all with Internet access
  • A selection of periodicals: a mix of current affairs, academic and popular titles
  • Two daily newspapers and one local weekly newspaper
  • Seating for 40 at study tables
  • Casual seating for 42

The Dominions Library offers:

  • 1050 Senior Fiction books
  • 1600 Non-fiction A-Level titles: Literary Criticism; Literary Biography; Literary Essays; Literary Reference; Theology and Philosophy; History; Foreign Literature; Archaeology; PE and Economics
  • A Local History section
  • 24 computers, all with Internet access, which are available to book for lessons, and for use by senior students at other times. A networked printer
  • A further cluster of 4 PCs with Internet access and printer for general use
  • Seating for 40 at study tables (lower floor)
  • Seating for 12 at study tables (upper floor)

Additional information:

  • Pupils and staff can link to the newly installed wireless network
  • The library catalogue is fully computerised and searchable on the school intranet
  • New acquisitions can be suggested at any time by pupils and staff
  • Departmental Libraries include: Art, Design Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Science

Staff

Students reading in the school libraryMs Fiona MacKenzie MA (Arts) DipLib Dip EdTech MCLIP CELTA

  • Library Director, 2004 - present
  • Many years experience working in school libraries in Scotland and Yorkshire. Also previously worked setting up school libraries and training school librarians for a charitable NGO in Lesotho; as a Library Consultant for the British Council in Uganda; and as a private TEFL teacher
  • Assistant HSM in Barnes A
  • Co-curricular: Junior and Senior Book Clubs and Cycle Touring Club
  • fmm@christs-hospital.org.uk

Mrs Sue Churchman BSc Computer Science, University of Reading

  • Library Assistant at CH since Oct 1991
  • Has previously worked as Computer programmer at the Home Office, and as an Analyst/Programmer
  • Specialism: Junior fiction
  • spc@christs-hospital.org.uk

Library Office Telephone: 01403 247473

We aim to:

  1. Provide a challenging yet supportive environment that stimulates a lively, enquiring mind and an interest in reading and learning;
  2. Encourage independent learning and co-operative endeavour;
  3. Equip pupils with a "toolkit" of transferable information skills (using printed, ICT and A-V resources);
  4. Support teaching methods, class and individual needs with carefully selected stock to allow all pupils equal access to both general and specific sources of information;
  5. Offer resources that contribute towards pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.