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
After School – Monday to Thursday
3.30pm – 3.40pm
After School Friday
1.10pm – check with librarian
Staff and pupils are automatically registered as library users when they join St Thomas’
No cards are needed.
Borrowing
Books are issued for a period of 2 weeks
The loan period can be extended if required.
There are no limits on staff loans.
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.
5 laptops are available for pupil use and a printer will be installed shortly
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 fortnight.
Pupils are encouraged to read for enjoyment and to take part in literary activities such as Roald Dahl Day, National Poetry Day, etc.
Extra Curricular
We want you to enjoy reading!
There are Book Groups for pupils and staff, and pupils are encouraged to review books for Teen Titles magazine.
Trips are organised to the Edinburgh International Book Festival and other author events.
We run the following clubs:
S1- S3 Book Group
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 and the National Library of Scotland 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
There are more free resources available online and you can find details in our guide here: Online Resources Guide
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 Lists
Downloads
School Database of Educational Articles
You can use this database The list of articles to search for articles useful for various school subjects.
For more information and how to access them online, please refer to our Online Resources Guide
Downloads
News
- Bethany McLuskey (p4)
- Lucia Bainomugisha, Charlie Cook , Safwan Mohammed and Polly Dickson-Smith (p6)
- David Mochan, Haider Salman and Livi Tague (p8)
- Joanna Boulis (p14).
 | ✏️CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION✏️ Are you aged 12 – 18? Are you feeling creative? Do you have a story to tell? INSPIRE US! We are looking for an awesome story to be the basis of our visual novel… www.facebook.com |
TV Guide
Future Events & Activities
Empathy Day 9 June 2020
Tuesday 9 June is Empathy Day , encouraging us all to step into someone else’s shoes and relate to the challenges they face. It seems especially relevant at this time when people are anxious about the corona virus, campaigning that ‘Black Lives Matter’ and dealing with issues on a personal level. To find out more on how to develop your empathy skills, or to join in with author talks, poetry and drawing workshops, see the powerpoint below.
You can ‘train your brain’ to be more empathetic . Here are 3 of our library books which could help –
Europe Day 2020
Although we are in the process of Brexit, Europe Day will be celebrated on 9 May 2020 to mark peace and unity amongst member countries. Test your European book knowledge below.
Downloads
World Book Night
WBN takes place on 23 April 2020 – Shakespeare’s birthday. Click on the files below to find out more and to do a WBN quiz.
Downloads
Librarians in Lockdown
Our S2 pupils are jumping for joy after reaching a top speed of 75.4mph! Congratulations girls on reaching the Nati…