Library

It has been said that libraries are not made; they grow. Although still very much in its formative stages, the library at Sherborne Qatar has fast become an integral part of the school. All children here have a weekly library lesson, and uniquely, pupils' information literacy grows in parallel with the library itself. Children are also free to visit the library at other times, for quiet personal browsing and to borrow. It is a popular venue at break times and there is a 'majlis' area and other comfortable seating for relaxation or story time, as well as tables for study or more formal lesson use.

There are five computers purely to assist research. In due course these will be networked to the database of the online library management system, so that pupils will be able to undertake book searches on the library database, locate and reserve books, and even write their own reviews and recommendations for fellow pupils.

A weekly after school activity, 'Rambling Readers' gives children, who are especially fond of reading, the chance to further explore their interest in the world of books, supported and guided by the Librarian. Such literary enrichment activities may include taking a closer look at some of the award-winning contemporary children's fiction and authors; during the next academic year we plan to have a Carnegie Medal shadowing group for children in Years 7 and 8.

Any educational library has to be dynamic and not static, but this is particularly true when a collection is started from scratch. As we move forward, we will see the library increasingly able to respond to the needs of the growing school, supporting its rigorous educational objectives whilst also taking a positive role in encouraging reading for pleasure. The library will take its place as a genuine multimedia learning resource, for the whole school.