20/10/2022

New school library now has over 4,000 books to choose from

From left to right: Junior Librarians – Hannah Danylew, Evelina Bondare, Tina Coleman and Haidyn Wells with Miss Bird, Librarian in the centre

A well-resourced library is always an important central hub for students in the school. One of the new developments at Cowley Academy this term is a brand-new library located in the historic Chapel building next to the English classrooms.

The Trust has made a significant investment in improving reading and literacy by prioritising this fantastic new facility, which comprises of a suite of computers and an ever-expanding selection of books with 4,000 to choose from. Over 500 new books has been added this term alone and this is set to grow over the academic year as students are encouraged to identify the books they enjoy reading.

With a whole library specifically aimed at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 – every student will find something to read, especially when this includes sport, suspense, wellbeing, diversity, graphic novels as well as classics and young adult favourites.

The library is managed by Miss Kate Bird who is the Librarian at Cowley Academy. She said “I was delighted to be able to open the brand new library at Cowley Academy and to build a community of engaged readers. Reading for pleasure has been proven to have a positive impact not only on students’ academic success, but also their mental health and social skills, and as part of an OU/UKLA Teachers’ Reading Group I am really excited to be part of this in our school.”

Miss Bird is supported by a dedicated group of Junior Librarians who give up their time to help run the library and make it an enjoyable place for all students to visit during morning break and lunchtimes.

In the forthcoming months, there will be inter-house competitions, a book fair and events to encourage students to make reading a regular activity alongside the classroom activities such as DEAR Time, SALAD Days and the Accelerated Reading Programme.