Library
We welcome all students to the library
The library aims to support the whole school as a learning resource centre to promote and support teaching, learning and student progress at Copthall. We do this through provision of high quality, relevant resources and developing literacy and research skills in all the subjects.
All students are welcome to come to the library to study, complete homework, read or borrow resources.
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Resources
We have a large selection of resources which are located within a calm and welcoming environment, close to the Sixth Form Centre. Resources are selected based on the curriculum in close consultation with all the Faculties including both fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, reference books, revision guides and some text books. The library also has computers and a photocopier.
The library catalogue, which is a list of books we have in the library, can be accessed while in school using the link to the left
Opening Times
The library is open to all before school from 8.20am; during the school day for Sixth Form private study and for classes; during break times to the whole school; after school for homework and quiet reading.
Expectations of behaviour
Students are expected to:
- Respect the library as a place for quiet reading and study; phones are not permitted in the library.
- Remember that eating and drinking are not allowed in the library.
- Always ensure that resources are issued to them before taking them out of the library.
- Be responsible for their own learning and ask for help to find resources if needed - the librarian is always happy to help.
Library Membership
All students are automatically members of the Library when they join the school and are given a unique library number. Students may borrow up to two books at a time – or one book and one DVD.
Books may be borrowed for up to three weeks. DVDs can be borrowed for three days. Books may be renewed up to three times.
If an item is overdue for more than two weeks the student will receive a letter reminding them to return the item or renew it immediately.
Lost items will be charged to the student who borrowed them, and they will receive a bill to cover the replacement value of the item.
Events
We organise library events throughout the year, including Read4Barnet as well as author visits to the school and the popular Scholastic Book Fair.
Read4Barnet is a conference held annually at different Barnet schools where students meet authors and listen to author talks. In preparation for the event, students read the 6-8 recently published books which will be discussed. Authors who have taken part in Read4Barnet include Patrice Lawrence, Karen Gregory, Non Pratt, Anthony McGowan, Lisa Williamson, Nat Luurtsema, Katherine Webber, Richard Kurti, and Siobhan Curham. It’s a great event and is always much enjoyed. Find out more here https://read4barnetwebsite.wordpress.com/.
Link to Barnet 24/7 Reference Library
All Copthall students are entitled to join Barnet Libraries and access the 24/7 Reference Library. This includes the excellent Encyclopaedia Britannica Online, Oxford Reference, dictionaries and newspapers, all free of charge.
The online Reference Library can be accessed through their website, www.barnet.gov.uk/research-service. Once on the website, select the desired link and enter your 14 digit Barnet Library card number.
