The Library
The Arnold House Library aims to provide a well-resourced range of books available to all the boys in the school. With both fiction and non-fiction titles, we aim to encourage cross-curricular learning, independent reading and a lifelong enthusiasm - and respect - for books.
From Year 2 the boys come into the library once a week for a lesson. Starting with very gentle sessions which aim to give the younger boys confidence in their reading choices, we slowly build up to lessons that are about how to use the library's Dewey classification system, how to use books for research, how to choose books that are both suitable, enjoyable - and that each time slowly flex the reading 'muscles' that little bit more. Formal reading lessons end in Year 6, but both the senior years are encouraged by the English Department to use the library, both as a place to borrow books and also to talk with the librarian about choosing books during that potentially difficult transitional period between children's books and teen/adult titles.
The library is clearly divided into fiction and non-fiction, with all the fiction clearly colour-coded as to reading-age suitability. The non-fiction covers the array of topics taught in the school, with a special emphasis on subjects that will be used in project work. All the Heads of Department liaise with the Librarian so that available books match the boys' needs. This is particularly true in regard to the Compass Course. There is also a reference section and a well-stocked - and well-thumbed - shelf of comic books.
The boys are encouraged to participate in the day-to-day running of the Library. Assistant Librarians are chosen from Year 7 and the Librarians and the Head Librarian from Year 8 - posts for which there is always a healthy amount of competition! The librarians catalogue, cover stock, put away returned books and talk with the younger boys, helping them to choose books to borrow. The library is also an informal place for the boys to meet, particularly those might, for whatever reason, not fancy playing outside.
The driving force behind the library is the simple belief that reading is fun. Boys are encouraged to talk about books they've enjoyed and to share that enthusiasm with their peers. Since its beginnings in 2001 The Arnold House Library has grown to become an essential part of the school, bringing authors such as Anthony Horowitz, Caroline Lawrence and Robert Muchamore in to speak to the boys, taking teams from Years 7 & 8 to take part in the Kids' Lit Quiz and running small in-school competitions to encourage even the most reluctant reader to take an interest in the library.
If any parent has any query regarding their son and his reading, please do pop in and talk with the Librarian, Ms Leonie Flynn, who is always happy to offer reading suggestions. Alternatively you can email lflynn@arnoldhouse.co.uk.
Leonie Flynn
Librarian