“The road to knowledge begins with the turn of a page.”
The KEHS libraries sit at the heart of the school, both literally and metaphorically. At a time when many public and school libraries are facing cuts, KEHS champions the role a library can play in a child’s intellectual and emotional growth.
The libraries at KEHS provide a safe and inclusive environment for quiet reading, study and relaxation. Positioned above the main entrance, the exterior carries the school crest and is the first thing you notice as you enter the grounds, with its attractive stained-glass windows and sculpted façade. With over 25,000 books across the two libraries, including fiction and non-fiction titles, foreign language texts, as well as graphic novels, manga and even musical scores, there really is something for everyone.
The Senior Library retains many of its original fittings; desks (complete with individual desk lamps) for silent study, a relaxation area complete with comfortable armchairs and bean bags, and two DVD stations with headphones and sofa seating. The Junior Library, by contrast, provides a space where students may meet for discussion. Furnished with modern tables and chairs, adaptable in formation, to allow for group work.
As part of our commitment to the academic growth of every pupil, the library is very generously funded and managed by a full-time, highly experienced, qualified librarian. Both libraries carry a range of periodicals for study and leisure purposes, alongside daily newspapers. The Senior Library also carries a catalogue of DVDs for loan; these range from foreign language films (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Swedish and Hindi) to Disney cartoons and the latest Hollywood blockbusters! The library has laptops and iPads available for independent study and we also have a collection of audio CDs. Students can remotely access a range of eBooks, websites, check stock, renew and reserve titles via the library catalogue. To ensure the library can respond to individual students’ tastes and requirements, students can also request new titles through the suggestions box or contacting the librarian directly.
The librarian organises a rich and varied programme of author visits to the school, as well as book fairs, displays to promote reading for pleasure, and reading events such as the Community Read, World Book Day extravaganza and Harry Potter Book Night – to name but a few!
“The library is well stocked and constantly expanding, as well as being an incredibly comfy place to just kick back and relax or study for exams.”
Maria – Year 10
Resources for students
Complete Issues
Featuring interesting articles, reliable statistics, amazing personal accounts and great websites about issues and events from around the world.
BMJ Learning
A world renowned resource that supports medical students through every stage, from applying to medical school all the way to making the transition to practising as a junior doctor.
Connell Guides
The online companion to the books, here you can assess their eBooks and articles of sophisticated analysis and broad critical perspectives of higher-level GCSE and A-Level English texts. Written by leading academics, Connell Guides are clear and concise, to help students understand, and enjoy, great works of literature. You will need to log on using the school username and password, available from the Library.
History Extra
History Extra is an exclusive online space for BBC History Magazine. Here you have access to an exclusive archive of more than 2,000 BBC History Magazine articles, fascinating podcasts and exclusive videos fully searchable by topic, location, period and people.
Newsbank
Access 100s of digital newspapers to explore credible, vetted news sources from across the UK & Ireland to stay informed on events, people and issues related to business, government, economy, sports, culture, and more.
Jstor
JSTOR provides access to more than 12 million academic journal articles, books, and primary sources in 75 disciplines. Access at home or in school.
Opening times
Monday – Thursday: 8am – 6pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm
Contact the library
If you would like to contact the librarian, please email Mr Adam Rodgers: a.rodgers@keschools.org.uk.
