LIBRARY

The library is open every lunch break for pupils to borrow or return books, read, draw, use the computers or tackle their homework. In addition pupils regularly visit the Library in small groups during appropriate lessons

Borrowing Books

Pupils may borrow 2 books for a period of 2 weeks, books may be renewed and it is also possible to reserve a book currently on loan to another pupil. Both non-fiction and fiction material may be borrowed, although fiction marked with a blue spot on the spine is more suitable for pupils in years 7 and 8 and cannot therefore be borrowed by younger pupils.

The library uses the fully automated management system, Alice for windows. The enquiry facility, one of the many features, allows pupils to search for material and identify availability and location within the library.

The library has three computers for use by pupils and a good selection of CD-ROM software. Two of the computers run Microsoft Office and one is connected via the school network to the Internet. Pupils are welcome to print any school-related work free of charge.

General Information

There are library competitions every term and new books are purchased regularly. Pupils are welcome to suggest new titles for possible inclusion in the library catalogue. The library currently holds over 4000 titles and is well used by pupils from all years.

Pupils in Year 8 are invited to help as Librarians during the lunchtimes doing jobs and helping with the computer booking in and out.

The Library Association’s Carnegie Medal is awarded annually for an outstanding book for children written in English and receiving its first publication in the U.K in the preceding year.

n July 2001 a group of Marston Middle School pupils participated in the National shadowing scheme for the first time. The enthusiastic members of the group read their way through 8 books in as many weeks, meeting regularly in the library to discuss each title and mark each book using the same criteria as the Carnegie judges.

This was a hugely successful undertaking, which provoked much discussion. Marston’s favourite to win was Philip Pullman’s ‘The Amber Spyglass’ the third book in a gripping trilogy. The actual winner being ‘The other side of truth by Beverly Naidoo. We eagerly await the next shortlist!