The Howard Library
About the Library
The library is a buzzing and thriving place to be and is guaranteed to be very busy throughout the whole school day.
Reading is such an important part of every child’s day and our library is there to provide an excellent source of books to support our students with their studies and to enjoy reading.
During breaks and lunch times you will find students browsing and reading books, doing homework, working on computers, working independently or in groups or enjoying some of the many library clubs available.
Library Dedication
The Howard Library is dedicated to Mr Roy Howard (1922-2011), the first headteacher of Hugh Christie School. He was a well-respected local school leader and made a huge contribution to the lives of thousands of young people in this area.
When are we open?
We are open throughout the day Monday to Thursday from 9.30 am - 2.45 pm in 3F8.
Introducing the Library Team!
The Howard library is managed by Alice Wood and supported by an enthusiastic team of student librarians.
The student librarians are an invaluable part of the library. They help out with issuing and returning books, collecting overdues, issuing birthday books, finding resources for homework or suggesting a good book to read as well as running the lunchtime library clubs.
I’m interested in becoming a student librarian, what do I do?
As there is always more demand than places available, you will need to fill in an application form and attend an interview. If successful, you will spend a trial period with us to make sure it’s right for you! Two sessions a week is all we expect you to commit to.
Borrowing
All students can borrow up to 3 books for a period of 3 weeks.
All books must be signed in and out by the Librarian on duty. If no one is available your book can be placed in the returns box just inside the entrance to the library.
If you have not finished reading your book you can ask the Librarian to renew it and get it re-stamped.
What we have?
We have over 8000 fiction and non-fiction books, book posters, careers leaflets and prospectuses as well as 3-networked computers.
Our Library catalogue is available on the Homepage of the Hugh Christie website which you can search at any time. You can also view student book reviews, book of the week and our new reads.
You can also have your own login to view your current and past loans, complete a book review or reserve a book.
We are happy for you to suggest any books that we should stock in the library. Please give your suggestions to the Librarian on duty.
Finding a Book
Our non-fiction books are ordered by the Dewey decimal number covered by a clear coloured label. Further details are shown on the signs above the bookcases.
000 – 099 General, reference White
100 – 199 Philosophy, psychology White
200 – 299 Religion Light Blue
300 – 399 Society, community Red
400 – 499 Languages Purple
500 – 599 Science Lilac
600 – 699 Technology Grey
700 – 799 Arts, music, sport Green
800 – 899 Literature Yellow
900 – 999 Geography Dark Blue
Our fiction books are ordered alphabetically by author’s surname into the following genres.
- Adventure
- Animals
- Biography
- Careers
- Fairytales
- Fantasy
- Historical Fiction
- Horror
- Humour
- Mystery
- Science Fiction
- Short Stories
- Sixth Form Reading Scheme
- Young Adult
The Reading Scheme books are organised by Accelerated Reader level.
Level 1 Red Level 6 Green
Level 2 Orange Level 7 Peach
Level 3 Purple Level 8 Grey
Level 4 Blue Level 9 Brown
Level 5 Yellow
A reading ideas folder is available for all students to browse through.
Code of Conduct
The Library can become very busy during break and lunch times. To ensure that all students can work safely and productively, we operate a simple code of conduct:
- Students should have a clear purpose for their visit to the Library.
- Bags to be kept under the tables.
- Quiet talking is acceptable.
- Eating and drinking is not-permitted.
- Mobile phones must be switched off.
- Only one student to each computer.
- Students should leave the area tidy.
Students will be asked to leave the Library if they break the code of conduct.
Year 7's Library Induction
At the start of the academic year all Year 7s are given a tour of the library. They are then asked to complete a short Library Treasure Hunt to make themselves familiar with the book locations.
Free Books
Every Year 7 student receives either a Michael Morpurgo or Ali Sparkes book. In Year 8 every student receives a book of their choice on their birthday from Chris Bradford to Michael Morpurgo and Ali Sparkes to David Walliams.
World Book Day
World Book Day is a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and reading which takes place every year. The whole school takes part by dressing up as their favourite book character.
Author Visits
We have been lucky enough to welcome two best-selling authors to Hugh Christie – Chris Bradford (Young Samurai and Bodyguard), Ali Sparkes (Frozen in Time and Shapeshifters) and Bali Rai (Demon Hunter).
Book Donations
If you would like to donate any good quality fiction or non-fiction children’s books all books are gratefully received.
More Information
For more information about the library please contact Alice Wood on 01732 353544 Ext. 246 or via email at awood@tonbridgefederation.co.uk