Libraries

“Books are uniquely portable magic.”
Stephen King

Reading for pleasure is the single most important action a pupil can take to improve their academic attainment.  Reading widely and voraciously opens up the world.  Books offer an opportunity to learn about and empathise with times, locations and cultures hugely different from our own.  The opposite is also true and equally important: books offer the chance to hear voices and stories that represent our own lives, that capture, validate and enrich our own experiences.

The three LCS libraries are central to pupils’ learning, enhancing their knowledge of a vast range of subjects relating to their curriculum and their interests.  Our aim is for pupils and students to become independent library users, critical thinkers and life-long learners.

We have invested in books catering for reluctant readers, gifted and able readers, and readers with specific educational needs.  We have fiction and non-fiction; we have books that inform, books that inspire and books that help you escape the everyday and immerse yourself in a completely different world.

Library resources

Professional librarian.  We are extremely fortunate to benefit from the knowledge, talent and passion of a professional librarian.  Mrs Mills is expert in information management and research, and plays a crucial role in promoting lifelong learning.

Longdon Library has a collection of story books arranged in ‘Reading Bands’ to suit the reading age of children.  Non-fiction/reference books on a range of subjects - Science, Poetry, Victorians, etc. – are used by pupils and teachers.  Every child in Longdon has a reading book to take home.

Broadhurst Library (Reading Zone) for Years 5 & 6 has a range of story books specifically selected for these year groups and benefits from a librarian-led Library Club during breaktimes.

The Palace Library for Years 7 upwards contains fiction arranged by genre (Action, Classics, Crime, Fantasy, etc.), plus reference books supporting academic studies and a careers section. The library has a quiet area for study, as well as computers for homework and research, and a comfy area for relaxation. A photocopier and scanner are also available.

Each library is well-resourced, and all students can borrow books free; there are no fines for late returns, though we like books to be returned in the term in which they were borrowed.

Careers Resources.  The Palace Library has an area dedicated to careers advice and guidance, including information on jobs/careers, further and higher education and general resources to help you make decisions and plan your future. As one of the School’s Careers Co-ordinators, the Librarian is always available to provide expert advice on using these resources.

Library Events

Book Fairs
Book Fairs are held twice a year at both the Longdon and Lichfield sites and are an excellent source of new library books. Each book sold to parents results in a  commission for the school, which can be spent on new books.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Celebrations
We love any excuse to read a good book!  World Book Day in March, National Poetry Day in October and Non-Fiction Week in November are celebrated throughout the School.  While the younger pupils (and their teachers!) enjoy dressing up, all pupils and students benefit from meeting visiting authors and poets.

Library Club
Library Club members meet during lunchtime at The Palace to undertake activities and promote reading for pleasure.  Members learn how a library is organised and administered through hands-on tasks and take part in local and regional competitions, such as Summer Reading Challenge and the Staffordshire Young Teen Fiction Awards, which culminates in an annual trip to RAF Museum Cosford for the finals.

How parents can support their children

Parents usually read to their children when they are very young – it’s a natural part of helping them to learn how to read for themselves.  But it is critical that parents continue to read for pleasure, even when children grow older.  By reading yourself, you are demonstrating that reading is an activity worthy of your time and concentration because it provides so much enjoyment.  Parents who read regularly set a positive example for their children, and developing a love of reading as a family.

Summer Reading Challenge

Join the Summer Reading Challenge - FREE at your local library from 5th July-15 September!
It’s fun, free and helps keep up reading skills over the holidays!
Set a reading goal.  Read whatever they like – books, eBooks, audiobooks.
Earn stickers, rewards and even a certificate.
Take part in events & activities.
It’s a great way to boost confidence and make reading fun!
Find your local library at www.staffordshire.gov.uk /libraries