Library

The Downs School Library is a busy and welcoming space; a whole-school resource, which exists to support both curriculum requirements and leisure interests. It is staffed by a professional librarian and the collection contains resources including books, newspapers and magazines, In support of the school’s careers department and sixth form, the library also houses resources to assist students in careers and further education decisions.

Accessit, the library catalogue, is the principal online presence of the school library. Click here to connect to Accessit, From Accessit you can browse the collection and when you log in using your school username and password you can reserve, renew or review books. Using the Quick Links menu, you can browse ready-made reading lists, e.g. recommended reading by age or Super-curricular reading for 6th form students.

A phone app version of Accessit is available: please contact Mrs Berger, our librarian, to gain access.

The Library is open throughout the school day; 6th form students can use it for silent study and Key Stage 3 students have reading lessons (led by the English department) in the library every week. At breaks and lunchtimes, the library offers students and staff opportunities to relax with a good book, do schoolwork or to carry out research. In addition to the print collection, computers are available for students’ use.

Reading widely is proven to extend vocabulary, aid understanding and to make people more empathetic. We have a large collection of fiction and non-fiction books – something for everyone. Mrs Berger runs popular weekly book groups and the library hosts various events during the year, e.g. the Pyjama party, the Book Grab and shadowing the Carnegie Medal. Since 2022, our Year 7 students have taken part in the Bookbuzz scheme from BookTrust, where they choose a book to keep forever, as a gift from The Downs School.