Library
The library is a bright welcoming study area at the heart of our school. With a primary purpose of promoting reading for pleasure through our extensive range of fiction and non-fiction titles, during lesson time it is also a work area for both class and independent study.
The library is open from 08:15 each morning and closes at 16:00 Monday to Thursday and at 15:30 on a Friday. Students are welcome in the library during their social time to browse books, do homework, access computers, or simply meet friends to play chess or scrabble.
Our resources include eight desktop computers, 16 laptops and 32 Chromebooks, some of which are bookable resources for use around the school. Computer facilities are available to students before school, break/ lunch time and after school.
There is a huge variety of library activities to suit every 
year group. Year 7s to 9s can participate in the Juniper Book Award with students from other schools all around the county during Autumn/Spring term. Sixth Form students, particularly those studying English, are encouraged to shadow the Booker Prize with the shortlisted titles available in our library. In the Summer year 9 to 11 students shadow the prestigious Carnegie Medal Award. Our Friday book club, lovingly known as The Biscuit Club after the refreshments served, is made 
up of students from a variety of year groups who discuss the current award shortlists or meet simply to exchange book recommendations. We have regular displays, student competitions and activities plus several clubs that run lunchtime or after school including chess, scrabble and a student led Dungeons and Dragons group. There is always something happening in the library.
We work closely with the English department to ensure 
that student learning is fully supported by the library. Fortnightly library lessons for KS3 students (where we use the Accelerated Reader system) and other reading initiatives ensure that we can help students discover reading for pleasure and provide additional assistance where needed. Links with other departments in the school mean we have relevant resources for all subjects and many teachers take advantage of the facilities we offer and bring classes in for research lessons
We have books that appeal to everyone. Reference, text
and non-fiction books are available, as well as up to date periodicals to support learning. We have a vast range of fiction from classics to current best-sellers, and we welcome suggestions for new titles. We also have picture books, graphic novels/Manga, Quick Reads and novels in other languages.
We are always excited to welcome authors, illustrators, historians and politicians to the library for talks and workshops to enthuse students and create a buzz about reading.
Our library is staffed by librarians Ann Smy and Grace Lighterness, who support and assist all students and staff. If you have questions about the library, please email us at library.bch@osborne.coop
Take a look at our catalogue news page for forthcoming events and useful links - just click here for the Library catalogue (Oliver)
