Library

"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of a Library."

Jorge Luis Borges 

The library, built to an award-winning design is a large, open plan space on three levels. The provision in the library is outstanding with over 23,000 print titles, and an extensive collection of multimedia and digital resources including Sora; offering an extensive eBook, eMagazine and eAudiobook collection to all year groups and staff.

The library is the focus of independent study at Millfield. Exceptional support is offered to academic departments in delivering the curriculum. The library includes a qualified Teacher-Librarian to promote and facilitate independent research. Working with each academic department to resource and develop students’ research skills for NEAs (non-exam assessments) and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) has been central to the library’s work in recent years.

Promoting reading, for pleasure and academic success, is a prime focus for Millfield Library. In particular, the library works closely with the English department and the Year 9 houses to develop reading for pleasure as part of the Nine at Millfield programme. Recommended reading suggestions are available for Senior and Junior pupils as well as staff through the ‘Book Butler’ service. The library runs reading-related competitions throughout the year as well as shadowing the national Carnegie book award. The provision of large book boxes for each boarding house as well as regular selections in the Staff Common Room demonstrates the library’s commitment to building a whole school reading community.

A separate silent area is available for Senior students as well as an area specifically designed for Junior reading. In recent years the library has added new innovations such as hiring a yurt for reading just prior to the Christmas holidays as well as establishing a library tea garden towards the end of the summer term. The Library Staff engage with students through a variety of activities; from staging book fairs to coincide with World Book Day, author visits and raising money for charity.

The library is able to offer additional digital resources via the AccessIt online Catalogue and the Millfield Library Blog. Millfield Library’s work and regular initiatives can also be followed on Social Media via Twitter and Instagram.

 

Stephen Bull

Head of Library