Library
Welcome to the library
The School Library Resource Centre (SLRC) plays a central and full role – both academically and socially – in the life of the school by supporting learning and teaching.
The library is on level 3 of the building, next to the Computing, English and Modern Languages departments.
It has a wide range of books, magazines and audiotapes, as well as Internet access.
The SLRC is staffed by two qualified librarians Ms Lindsay Nealon (Mon – Tue) and Ms Magda Wojnar (Wed – Fri), who share the job to provide a full time professional service
Opening Times
Mornings – Monday to Friday
8.15am – 8.40am
Lunchtimes – Monday to Friday
1.30pm – 1.50pm
* exclusive to Bookgroup and other clubs on some days
(check with Librarian)
After School – Monday to Thursday
3.30pm – 3.40pm
After School Friday
1.10pm – check with librarian
Borrowing Times
Overdue Books
Reminders for overdue books are sent out via English Teachers.
Letters will be sent home after a few weeks of having overdue books and money for replacement copies sought.
As other people are often waiting for these items, please try to bring them back on time Thank you !
Computers
Wireless Internet access is available.
Computers should be re-installed soon.
Literacy Across Learning
The Librarians and English Department have developed a reading programme (Book Bingo) that aims to teach and develop literacy skills. All S1 andS2 English classes have one period timetabled in the Library every second week.
Pupils are encouraged to read for enjoyment and to take part in literary activities such as celebrating Roald Dahl Day, National Poetry Day, etc.
Extra Curricular
We want you to enjoy reading!
There are Bookgroups for all age-groups and staff, and pupils are encouraged to review books for Teen Titles magazine.
Events such as World Book Day are celebrated and trips are organised to the Edinburgh International Book Festival and other author events.
We run the following clubs:
S1- S3 Book Group
S5 – S6 Book to Film Club
Staff Book Group
Resources
Printed Resources
Our school has links with other libraries in the city. Everyone is encouraged to join their local, public library and staff and senior pupils can use University libraries for reference purposes too. Books can often be borrowed from other schools via the Librarian. An inter-library loan facility is also available for ‘Higher’ and academic texts.
Electronic Resources
You can access free Electronic Resources by registering at Edinburgh City Libraries
You will find more information on the website below or ask the Librarian
https://yourlibrary.edinburgh.gov.uk/web/arena
Websites
For ideas about what to read, there are many websites, including:
Reading Lists
Our librarians update Reading Lists annually.
You can access them below or get printed copies from the school library.
Reading List 2017
Downloads
Reading List 2016
News
This August, Ms Nealon and many of our pupils enjoyed trips to the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Ms Laverick and an S5 group enjoyed meeting The Last Poets, both during their lively and informative session on stage, and in private for a group photo.
Mrs Macdonald’s S2 class were entertained by author Darren Shan, talking about his prolific writing and reading extracts from his work. This proved very popular, although some felt the descriptions were a bit too gory for lunchtime
Ms Murray’s S3 class were treated to two authors – Lauren James and Philip Reeve – discussing time, travel and life on other planets. Judging by the number of pupils who subsequently bought the authors’ books, this talk was a great success.
Last semeter we had a busy time in the Library with displays and activities to support Burns Night, Fairtrade Fortnight, International Women’s Day and International Mother Languages Day, William Shakespeare’s Birthday and China project.
On 1st June about fifty S3 pupils from Moderns Studies department took part in the ‘Brexit, the EU and Your Future’ interactive workshop. It was run by YouthLink Scotland, in partnership with Involver and the European Societies UK. Pupils had a chance to learn about the merits and demerits of the EU and Brexit
This year’s World Book Day was celebrated with a quiz for S1/2 pupils and a ‘dress as your favourite book character’ day. This was fun, with pupils and staff going to great lengths to turn out in costumes linked to Where’s Wally, the Wizard of Oz, Anne of Green Gables … and Harry Potter, of course!
On the ‘literary’ front, Mr McNally’s S1 English class had a great session with author, Lari Don, who came into school to talk about her books and her inspiration for writing them. It was a lively and worthwhile session; the pupils took part enthusiastically and many went off to read her books afterwards.
Library and Support for Learning staff worked together in March to promote World Autism Awareness Week to S1 & S2 pupils. During Library visits, pupils were able to read about autism and two S2 pupils spoke to the classes about how autism had affected them.
In February, the Library worked jointly with Place2Be to promote Mental Health Awareness Week – pupils from all year-groups came to the Library from PSE to read up on issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, to reflect on what some of the issues meant to them and to discuss what could be offered in terms of support and understanding.
St Thomas’ pupils have continued to contribute to Teen Titles magazine – 9 pupils appeared in issue 67 –and the latest batch of books are currently being read by our enthusiastic reviewers. Senior pupils have been reading Michael Grant’s ‘Gone’ during meetings of the Book-to-Film club and titles discussed by Staff bookgroup have ranged from the graphic novel ‘Kick Ass’ to the short stories of Alice Munro.
Christmas Fayre Talent Show Auditions for all pupils : Friday 6th October 1:10 pm in the Drama room. Be part of something special