Library

'I thought Reading was a town in Berkshire 'til I discovered libraries.'

St Mary’s School Library was purpose-built in 1999 and it has a spacious open-plan layout.

It aims to provide a pleasant atmosphere for studying and to promote the love of books. Girls can read, and browse, and have space and quietness in which to think.

Fiction reading is popular, as is book ownership. These are promoted through book fairs. As many as nine are held in the Library throughout the year. Teachers can select books for their department or the Library, and girls have the chance to browse and select for themselves, or recommend titles for the Library.

Library Services

All members of the school community are welcome to use either the Main Library, or the Junior Library, which has recently moved to the Landing which adjoins the Main Library.

Networked computers are available in the Library, with Internet access; laptop, photocopying, scanning and printing facilities are available.

Study alcoves encourage private study and the Library can also be used for class visits and personal browsing. There is comfortable study seating for 65 people and bean bags for more informal use.

Library stock and its arrangement

Confident use of the Library encourages girls to learn, not just 'the answers', but how to learn.

Books are arranged by Dewey subject classification, (as are books in most public libraries).

The two Libraries now have a stock of 19,000 items. New books are bought, and the older stock is regularly weeded. Library holdings complement the specialist libraries of the academic departments.

Fiction and Non Fiction books, (both normal and Oversize) are available for loan. Many magazines and newspapers are held, with past copies retained for use.

All stock is catalogued on the Softlink computer system; book searches can be done from any networked computer in the school.

Loan periods are generally for two weeks (to encourage sharing the popular, well-used titles), but topic books can be put on Counter or 'Library Use Only' to ensure availability.

There is a well-stocked Reference section.

Reference books and periodicals should not be borrowed: they are then available within the Library for consultation at all times.