The Queen’s Library, named in memory of our Founder, Queen Elizabeth I, offers extensive facilities for independent study and provides boys with a host of enrichment opportunities.
The Queen’s Library is a modern and well-equipped resource for all members of the School community. We stock a wide and diverse range of fiction and non-fiction aimed at encouraging students to read for pleasure as well as furthering their academic interests. We have an up-to-date selection of online resources and ‘extended reading’ materials, which aims to broaden and deepen boys’ academic interests, challenging them to move beyond the syllabus. This is particularly useful for Sixth Form students preparing for university interviews.
The facility fosters independent study by providing a quiet environment in the heart of the School. Sixth-formers use the library throughout the School day, whilst at lunchtime it is popular with younger boys, who come to borrow books and read quietly. After School, the library is open to boys from all years for silent, independent study.
During the 2022-2023 academic year, boys borrowed some 15,000 books from The Queen’s Library.
Students are encouraged to get involved in extra-curricular activities such as: the Carnegie Award Shadowing Book Group; Year 7 and 8 Book Club; Reading Champions Quiz; and several book-related quizzes and activities.
Boys can also get directly involved in the Library by becoming a pupil librarian, library community volunteer or Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteer. The pupil team works closely with library staff, volunteering for lunchtime or after-school shifts on the circulation desk, assisting users, writing book reviews, creating displays and shelving books. They are given real responsibility and the opportunity to develop skills such as communication, customer service, and organisation.
