Monthly Archives: September 2024

You Said – We Did @ Holyrood Library

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It’s been an exciting first month back – getting to know our new S1pupils, ordering new books and sorting through deliveries. Best of all has been seeing our keen readers borrow their first books, and the delight when they realise there is no limit to the number of books that can be borrowed (other than what can fit into your schoolbag)! With new books arriving regularly, there will always be great choice of both old favourites, or something completely new to try.

In June, 70 members of our outgoing S1 took part in a Library Survey. This was a goldmine of information, showing what’s been going well, and where improvements could be made. Here’s some examples from the survey:

You said Get more Dork Diaries & Wimpy Kid. More comics.

We did Ordered more comics, including Marvel, DC, Bunny vs Monkey, Star Wars.     

Our funny Diary & Joke books are now all shelved together in a clearly labelled special section to make them easier to find.

You said Have a rule to get people to talk quieter. No loud music. Have more of a chill out spot.

We did  Our quiet, Autism – friendly lunchtime now runs on Wednesdays. No phones, low lighting and quiet activities only. On other days, Librarian & Pupil helpers do a walk round and make sure everyone is being considerate and mindful of noise levels.

Quiet time to chill out

When asked ‘What do you like to do in the Library?’ the most popular answer was Chill out with friends, closely followed by Read, and Do Homework.

 

S1 Helpers planning activities

 

“The library is already amazing and I love spending time there”

All your comments are so valued! We’ll continue to have regular customer surveys to keep improving, and display all your suggestions and the corresponding actions taken on our ‘You Said – We Did’ giant whiteboard.

The librarian is reading …..

Apple and Rain, by Sarah Crossan 14 year old Apple is having a difficult time with bullying, and events at home. A favourite teacher encourages Apple to read poetry and write her own poems. Writing helps her to find her voice, face some really difficult family problems and bravely seek help. I loved this book.

Reading can sometimes seem trivial when you’re faced with difficult events, but the right book, at the right time can be a lifeline. Any time you’re feeling a bit down, why not pop into your school or community library and have a browse. There will always be friendly staff on hand to chat, and you’ll not leave empty-handed. Happy reading!

Ms Kindness

A focus on Senior Fiction

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This year, two lovely groups of S1 has declared that the library is their favourite place in the school, and they have been stopping by after school to draw, to read and to chat every day until closing time. This is wonderful because it is the busiest the school library has been in two years! Along with completing school inductions to the S1 and explaining the benefits of having (and not losing!) a library cards, the librarian also decided to focus on the Senior Fiction section.

In fact, at the start of a new school year, Advance Higher English pupils need to choose their book, so a new display has been made with a mix of classic AH titles, leisurely reads, and contemporary fiction. It has been good to have a wider range of books to recommend when pupils inquire about the topic they’d like to choose, because now the library can better cater to them, too. As a result, more S6 pupils are borrowing from the library and some of the AH English group often come to study together here. Here is a view of what the library has to offer for our Senior readers!

Rights Respecting Book-of-the-Month: September

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Castlemilk High School: Rights Respecting School

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. The Rights Respecting Schools Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens. 

The Award recognises a school’s achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond. 

The Rights Respecting group and Mrs Heffron are working hard to get the Gold award for Castlemilk High School. One part of this is a Book-of-the-Month promotion, to help raise pupils’ awareness of their rights under the UN Convention . Each month, the library promotes one book highlighting UNCRC articles. This month’s book is ‘Noughts and Crosses’ by Malorie Black, which links to a number of articles including:  

2: Nondiscrimination 

15: Freedom of association 

28: Right to an education 

In an alternate reality the population is divided into two: the white Noughts are second-class citizens, and the black Crosses are highly-revered and perceived as the superior race.Sephy is a Cross: she lives a life of privilege and power. Callum is a nought: he’s considered to be less than nothing – a blanker, there to serve Crosses.

They’ve been friends since they were children, and they both know that’s as far as it can ever go. Noughts and Crosses are fated to be bitter enemies – love is out of the question. Then – in spite of a world that is fiercely against them – these star-crossed lovers choose each other. But this is love story that will lead both of them into terrible danger . . . and which will have shocking repercussions for generations to come.

Noughts and Crosses is available now in book and ebook format from the school library. 

 

St Roch’s Reads: September

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What’s been happening this month in St Roch’s School Library?

After a brief visit from the sun, Autumn is definitely here. This week our library assistants Niamh and Ava put together an autumnal- themed display, full of lovely seasonal colours. 

The library also got a wee refresh this month, with some new carpet. All the library volunteers were on hand to help with emptying the shelves and they deserve a huge Thank You for their efforts. Now the real task is reshelving– but they’re doing a great job of it! 

We welcomed all our new S1 pupils to the library this month. Classes learned how to use the library, all about the different books available and they also got their brand new library cards.

We had some kind S2 and S3 pupils on hand to help answer questions and show younger pupils around too. Everyone is ready for a great year of library visits! 

Lastly, the new book options have been great this month. Here’s the top picks so far from library assistant Roya.  

Knightswood Update!

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School has been back for just over a month already, can you believe it?

S1 library inductions were a little different this year, and went better than they ever have (in my opinion, anyway)! Pupils took part in a library scavenger hunt to help familiarise them with the library and its rules, books, and features. Each pupil was also given a bookmark along with their library cards, containing important information on how to check out books, join the library team, and utilise the free eResources available to them with their school cards.

The library has been working in collaboration with the English Department to create a wonderful reading programme for the S1 pupils, as well. The programme includes a reading journal, weekly scheduled access to the library during English, and reciprocal reading groups to help engage and support some of our more reluctant learners.

There’s never been a better time to visit the library, as the collection is freshly weeded, and chock full of brand new titles (and even some old favourites). Come by and check them out – from comics to nonfiction, there’s something for everyone!

And while you’re here, make sure you check out the weekly Library Poll! Every week there will be a new question on the whiteboard next to the New Books. This week’s question: What is your favourite film? Stop by and have your voice heard!

Have a wee look at last week’s poll: What is the worst pizza topping?

Welcome to St Mungo’s Danielle Jawando!

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Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour with Danielle Jawando - Scottish Book Trust

St. Mungo’s school library had the honor of hosting author Danielle Jawando as part of the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour, organized by the Scottish Book Trust.

S2 pupils enjoyed an inspiring presentation where Danielle shared her journey to becoming a writer. She guided them through the creative writing process, explored the sources of her inspiration, emphasized the importance of representing diverse stories and characters, and offered valuable insights into the journey of getting a book published. The pupils were captivated throughout, asking thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrated their genuine interest.

The event concluded with a special opportunity for pupils to interact with Danielle personally creating a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved.

She even signed her library books!

New Books, New Clubs, New Displays!

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It has been a very busy start to the new school year here at All Saints Secondary School Library!

We have welcomed a new cohort of S1 pupils, with many new faces helping in the library (and lots of lovely regulars from the previous year still coming along)

It has been particularly busy here with the launch of our brand new timetable with regular clubs on all library days during lunchtime.

You may notice some great new clubs happening here with Monday Craft Club, Tuesday Chess and board games and Thursday is now Read, Chat and Chill.

Craft Club has included some fun creations with pupils learning to crochet chains, and make Origami frogs!

There is some heated competition on a Tuesday during Chess Club.

…and Friday’s are when the library assistants shine and help make some new displays.

So far we have had a Fair Trade Fortnight display as part of a theme across the school.  As well as out ‘Blue’ Display!

 

Each week I have been bringing in some fresh flowers from my garden to brighten up the library as well. As we head into the September weekend I think everyone has enjoyed a strong start to the school year here!

Rosshall – New School Year!

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A big welcome to our new S1 cohort and a big welcome back to everyone else!

In August all the S1s participated in their library inductions and received their school library cards. It was great to see how keen they are to use the library and to hear about their favourite genres (more of which below)…

Over the summer the fiction has been rearranged by genre to make it easier to find your favourite books. Judging by the book issues so far, I’ll be looking to buy in more Romance, Spooky & Scary and Thriller & Mystery.