The library at Oathall is a warm, calm and welcoming space where students can read, study, socialise and relax.
Run by a full-time, qualified librarian, our library aims to encourage a reading culture starting in the library and expanding across the school. The library supports teaching and learning across the curriculum and encourages reading for pleasure, helping students understand themselves and the world around them.
There are over 6000 books available for borrowing. They include Fiction, Information books, Graphic novels, Manga, and books in a dyslexia-friendly format. Our collection reflects the school’s values, enriches our curriculum, is age-appropriate, and represents our school community. Students may borrow up to three books for three weeks and renew them if necessary.
Students can also search, reserve and review books using the online library management system called Accessit.
The library is open before school and after school until 4 pm daily, including a specialist SEND homework club every Wednesday. It is also open during break and lunchtimes daily, with book clubs on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Library Lessons
Students in years 7 & 8 have regular library lessons. This time is used to teach students skills related to books and reading, with an emphasis on encouraging reading and helping overcome reluctance to read.
Events
Regular events include author visits, Open Mic lunchtime events, World Book Day celebrations, the Scholastic Book Fair visit, Harry Potter Week and much more.
‘Drop Everything and Read’ – DEAR time
Boosting our students’ literacy is a priority, and all subjects are expected to promote reading for pleasure.
Our school day incorporates 10 minutes of reading time in the afternoon every day. Students are expected to have a reading book in their bag at all times.
Why reading is important.
- Reading has the power to supercharge learning, filling the brain with vocabulary, imagination and a greater understanding of the world around us
- It calms the mind and body, allowing time and space for stillness in the increasingly busy environment
- Stories allow students to explore situations on the page, in a safe space, allowing them to grow emotionally.
What can families do to encourage reading at home?
- Make time for reading at home
- Ask your child about their book
- Take them to the local library and browse charity shops before spending money on books they might not read
- Let them choose what to read; resist doing it for them
- Let them see you reading.
The latest research from The National Literacy Trust 2025 supports the following:
- 2 in 5 children and young people were motivated to read when material related to a favourite film or TV series (38.1%) or matched their interests or hobbies (37.1%)
- 3 in 10 (30.9%) were drawn in by an interesting book cover or title
- 1 in 4 (26.6%) valued having the freedom to choose what they read.