Margaret Curry Library

The Margaret Curry Library was purpose built in 1998 and was subsequently named in memory of a former Vice-Principal of Down High School. Located centrally on the ground floor, it is a bright, attractive room which is easily accessible to pupils and staff.

Opening hours

School Librarian

The library is managed by a full-time chartered librarian:
Miss A. Chestnutt B.A., Dip. Lib., MCLIP

Library Aims

• To provide a welcoming area in which pupils may read, study or do research
• To provide a centralized resource of materials and expertise, which supports the curricular needs of pupils and staff
• To promote the concept of reading for enjoyment, by the provision of a collection of imaginative literature
• To enable pupils to acquire information and study skills

Resources

There is a collection of approx. 9,000 items:-

• Books
• Magazines
• Daily newspapers
• Educational videos
• CD ROMs

The fiction collection ranges from popular series books and light reads, to more challenging books, such as classics and modern fiction. The adult non-fiction section is popular with both pupils and staff.

Non-fiction includes reference, curriculum linked books as well as those aimed at leisure interests.

The 3 networked computers have internet access.

Usage

The library is well used by junior pupils for reading and doing homework while senior pupils use it for independent study and research. Year 14 is timetabled for private study periods. A number of curricular subjects make extensive use of the library facilities for project work and research.

All Key Stage 3 pupils have a weekly class, during which they borrow books, read silently, recommend favourite books to each other and are shown how to use the library.

In 2008-9 the library provision at the school will be audited as part of a project involving the promotion of Literacy and library self-evaluation.

Events

• Each year, as part of World Book Day celebrations, we hold a Scholastic Book Fair. This is eagerly awaited by pupils in Years 8 – 11.
• Classes are regularly invited to the local library to hear visiting authors. In recent times pupils have met John Boyne author of ‘The boy in the striped pyjamas’, Nigel Hinton and Terrance Dicks.