Leaders promote a love of reading. For example, pupils read in tutor time and meet visiting authors. Many are actively engaged in working in the library or attend reading clubs. - Ofsted

Library Aims

Miss O’Brien and the student librarians have agreed a manifesto - the library aims to:

• Build Independence
• Cultivate Curiosity
• Connect with Community

 

Library Achievements

• Kids Lit Quiz UK National Champions 2026.
• National Reading Champions Quiz Regional Winners 2026.
• Worcestershire Poetry Slam 3^rd place – 2024 & 2026.
• Shortlisted for The Bookseller’s Library of the Year 2019.
• Kids Lit Quiz West Midlands Regional Champions 2019.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who manages the library?

The library is managed by the librarian, Miss O’Brien.

2. When is the library open?

The library is open every weekday at break and lunch. Occasionally we are closed for clubs or training.

3. What sort of material does the library stock?

The library has a wide range of resources. Readers of all levels are catered for, from reluctant to passionate. Stock is updated regularly and features a wide range of popular authors, debut novelists and prize-winning texts, both contemporary and classic. Advice is on hand to direct, encourage and motivate – the aim being to foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

Miss O’Brien has collated some Recommended Reading lists which you can find here.

4. Do I need a library card?

No, books are issued without using a library card. Students automatically become members of the library when they start at Arden.

5. How many books may I take out at one time?

Students are allowed to borrow up to two books at a time.

6. How long is the loan period?

The loan period is two weeks.

7. What happens if I forget to take a book back on time?

Students will not be charged fines but they will not be able to borrow other titles until the overdue item is returned or replaced.

8. I've lost a library book, what should I do?

Don't panic! Speak to Miss O’Brien as soon as possible. Most books are not lost, they are merely mislaid. The responsibility for the book belongs to the person to whom it was issued. This is also relevant to books that are badly damaged. If a book is truly lost or damaged, then parents are charged for a replacement copy.

9. What are the library rules?

• The library is a designated 'Quiet Zone' - students are expected to work or read quietly and independently.
• For those who require a collaborative study space, please see the co-curricular timetable for details about homework club.
• Students should behave in line with Arden's Student Behaviour Policy
• No food or drink.

10. What activities and clubs are available to join in the library?

• In Years 7 & 8 fortnightly library lessons are included as part of English lessons. In these lessons, students participate in the Accelerated Reader programme where they read books and take quizzes. High achieving students are rewarded in end of term assemblies with prizes and positive recognition. At the end of the year, the top two students in each class are invited to a reading rewards day. In the past this has included an author or illustrator workshop and visits to the Oxford Story Museum.
• National Reading Champions Quiz & Kids Lit Quiz – Key Stage 3 students have the opportunity to try-out for the team to compete against other students regionally for a chance to get to the National Final.
• FCBG Children’s Book Award - Students can opt in to read new release books and vote on them to win a national award.
• Creative Writing – see the co-curricular timetable for details.
• Reading Clubs –see the co-curricular timetable for details.
• World Book Day – from escape rooms to literary festivals, author visits and dressing up, there are always activities and events. You can read about our 2020 World Book Day here.
• There is a thriving Student Librarian programme in the library for Years 8 - 13. Student librarians shelve books, suggest book recommendations to library users, create vibrant displays and assist with events like World Book Day and Open Evening. The Student Librarians also select books for the library including visits to bookshops.

11. How can I support my child with their reading?

Please see this page for tips on how parents and carers can support their children with reading.