"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life."

Sidney Sheldon (1917-2007) 
American Writer and Producer

A Space to Inspire, Learn, and Grow

The St Paul’s Academy Library is a vibrant hub of curiosity, creativity, and learning. Designed to inspire a love of reading and provide a calm, welcoming space, our library sits at the heart of school life and supports every student in becoming a confident, independent learner.

Our shelves are stocked with a rich selection of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, anthologies, and classic literature, alongside BookTok favourites, popular series, and exam-focused materials. Whether students are exploring new authors or deepening their subject knowledge, the library offers something for everyone.

Library Zones

• Reading Zone: A cosy corner for students to relax and immerse themselves in a good book.

• Study Zone: A quiet area designed for focused study, particularly for Key Stage 4 students.

• Research Zone: A dedicated area where students can book out Chromebooks to complete homework and develop independent research skills.

• Games Zone: A lively and sociable space where students can unwind with Monopoly, chess, Scrabble, and other classic board games, encouraging strategic thinking, teamwork, and fun.

• Enhanced Shelving & Displays – A diverse collection spanning fantasy, science fiction, romance, gothic and horror, thrillers, graphic novels, biographies, and non-fiction.

Inspirational wall art celebrating famous authors, literary quotes, and London landmarks adds character to the space, encouraging creativity and reflection.

Technology and Access

Students also have access to Chromebooks, ensuring everyone can complete assignments, conduct research, and access online learning platforms, even if they do not have access to technology at home.

Aims of the Library

Our library aims to:

• Support every member of the school community — students, staff, parents, and carers.

• Nurture a lifelong love of reading and promote reading for pleasure.

• Provide equitable access to learning resources for all.

• Develop initiative, independence, and a sense of responsibility.

• Enrich learning through literacy, imagination, and curiosity.

A Culture of Reading

Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. Through author visits, themed events, and literacy initiatives, students are encouraged to explore the power of words and develop a deep appreciation for books and ideas.

At St Paul’s, the library is more than a room — it is a place where stories spark imagination, ideas come to life, and every student can discover the joy of reading.

 

Opening Times
 

	BEFORE SCHOOL	BREAK TIME	LUNCH (P4)	LUNCH (P5)	AFTER SCHOOL
MONDAY	7:45 – 8:10	10:40 – 11:00	11:50 – 12:40	12:40 – 1:30	3:10 – 4:15
TUESDAY	7:45 – 8:10	10:40 – 11:00	11:50 – 12:40	12:40 – 1:30	3:10 – 4:15
WEDNESDAY	7:45 – 8:10	10:40 – 11:00	11:50 – 12:40	12:40 – 1:30	2:20 – 3:30
THURSDAY	7:45 – 8:10	10:40 – 11:00	11:50 – 12:40	12:40 – 1:30	3:10 – 4:15
FRIDAY	7:45 – 8:10	10:40 – 11:00	11:50 – 12:40	12:40 – 1:30	3:10 – 4:15

Dedicated Lunch Days

Monday: Year 7
Tuesday: Year 8
Wednesday: Year 9
Thursday: Year 10
Friday: Year 11

However, when we have timetabled lessons in the library during periods 4 and 5, the library will be closed to other students. Signs will be on the main entrance door to let students know a lesson is taking place and to come back at another time.

Some scheduled times may change depending on an event. During the exam season, lunches will be dedicated to the year group taking the exams, so they have a quiet place to revise before their afternoon exam. Students will be given notice when this happens.

 

Reading Cloud

Reading Cloud is a library management system to support literacy, encourages independent learning, helps drive parental engagement, and promotes reading for pleasure. With its focus on promoting reading for pleasure across the school community, Reading Cloud helps to develop strong readers with a passion for lifelong learning.

Our librarian uses Reading Cloud to keep stock of our inventory, check books out for the students and see what is overdue, while the students can use it to see what books are in stock, reserve a book to pick up and leave reviews for books they loved.

Our students can access the Reading Cloud by using their computer login and password:

 

Student Librarians

Many students take the chance to be involved in the running of the library as Student Librarians. They work when they choose and look after the library during the normal school day and library events. If they have worked hard, they earn themselves an award at the end of the term and have the opportunity to earn the title and badge of Head Student Librarian.

 

 

Library Book Club

This year, the library will be introducing a Book Club! It will be after school on Thursday for Year 8. The book we will be reading is:

All That It Ever Meant by Blessing Musariri

"An outstanding YA novel of family love, loss, and life lived between two cultures, by an astonishing, super-stylish new voice."

'I'm going to tell you exactly how everything happened. Baba always says, Mati mwana'ngu, I love a good story but I don't have time for a long one, so make it short.'

When Mati and her two siblings travel from London to Zimbabwe with their father, they are forced to confront the knotty family dynamics caused by the loss of their mother. Along for the trip is Meticais, a fabulously attired gender-neutral spirit - or ghost? Or imaginary friend? - who only Mati can see and talk to.

Guided by Meticais's enigmatic advice and wisdom, Mati must come to terms with her grief and with the difficulty of a life lived between two cultures, while her family learn to forge their way in a world without their monumental mother. This is distinctive, stylish, powerful writing by a vital new voice.