Library

It's not just books in the Grammar School Library! As well as the huge selection of fiction and non-fiction titles available for loan, there are popular magazines, newspapers, academic journals, prospectuses and even comic books. We have a wide-ranging stock from ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘The Guinness Book of Records’ for our younger readers, to Penguin Classics and academic Oxbridge material for the upper school.

Reading is actively encouraged with the Year 7s receiving free books in the annual ‘Booked Up’ promotion. On World Book Day, boys have the opportunity to buy publications from The Bookmark, the School’s supplier, in the Library using their £1 discount vouchers.

The Librarian is also actively involved in the innovative yearly ‘Whole School Read’ when every boy and teacher receives a copy of the same book to read during the summer, which is then used as a theme for teaching and school assemblies. For 2007, "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was chosen after presentations by boys to a selection panel. "Mortal Engines" by Philip Reeve was a close runner-up. In 2008, "Mike and Psmith" by P G Wodehouse was the selection – a book with themes of public school, boyish pranks and cricket – it could hardly be more suitable. The choice for 2009 was "Red Rackham’s Treasure" by Hergé – a graphic novel of high adventure, featuring Tintin and friends, celebrating their 80th anniversary.

With plenty of space for pupils to work, a 6th form area and computers for Internet access, the Library is extensively used for reading and research. It is a popular venue at lunch times and after school, not only for study, but also for Mind Games, including Chess and Go.

Open from 8:15 to 5:30 and with as many as 4000 visits a week, the Library plays an important supportive role in school life. Book lists and recommendations are available on the school Intranet.