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Our Library
Why is reading so important?
We are passionate about reading here at University of Birmingham School. We have a well-resourced library open at break and lunch times where you can borrow books, sit and read, and complete your homework.
In everything you do, you need to be able to read. The more you can read, the more of the world you can access. It is through reading that we learn about the world we live in: about other cultures and places, people, and what they have done, events both past and present. Books open up different worlds to us; places we simply cannot visit.
“Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are.” Mason Cooley.
A.M Dassu Author Visit
We were delighted to have welcomed award-winning, World Book Day author A.M Dassu to our School to celebrate World Book Day.
It was an absolute joy to meet her and hear her talk about the inspiration behind her writing – “…to challenge stereotypes and humanise the stories of others.”
“I honestly cannot praise this School, its teachers, staff, and pupils enough. It’s incredible. The ethos is just so positive and everyone is so welcoming, warm, and happy. I had such a brilliant day. It was a joy to meet with the pupils and see the excitement around my book Boot It! Just amazing.” A.M Dassu.
Thank you to UoB School staff Ms Middleton, Mr Cobane, Mr Bennett for organising and to Old Barn Books publishers.
World Book Day Tokens
For World Book Day (WBD) this year, there will be NO paper tokens given to Secondary School pupils. Instead, pupils can download this token (valid between 16 February – 26 March 2023) to a mobile device or print it out, then show this at participating shops in exchange for one of the special WBD books.
The aim of World Book Day is to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the chance to choose and have a book of their own. We hope you will join us in celebrating the joy of reading. Visit worldbookday.com for reading tips, videos, activities, and brilliant recommendations from your favourite authors.
Humza Arshad Author Visit
Author, actor, and, comedian Humza Arshad visited UoB School as part of his Little Badman Tour promoting his latest book in the series ‘Little Badman and the Rise of the Punjabi Zombies.’
We were lucky enough to find out more about Humza’s journey to becoming an author and enjoy a short, live reading from him.
“When I was growing up I didn’t really see many books that had characters in them that looked like me, which is a shame considering how diverse the UK is. So I created this amazing series for everyone, but also for children from my community. Hopefully it will inspire a few young writers along the way!” Humza Arshad.
View highlights of our afternoon with Humza here.
A huge thanks to The Bookshop on the Green for organising this special visit for the School.
Displays
Our Library Team regularly update their displays, sharing book recommendations, raising awareness for national and international events, and showcasing pupil work.
Library Opening Hours
The library is open during normal lesson hours as a silent study space for Sixth Form students and for KS3 Library Lessons. Also for book changes, reading, and homework space during break and lunchtime (KS3 all week/KS4-5 Monday and Tuesday only).
Before School 08:15 – 08:45: Tuesday – Friday
After School 15:15 – 16:15: Chess Club Week A
Sora
All UoB School pupils and students are able to borrow e-books and audiobooks via tablets, laptops, and smartphones.
To read on your phone or tablet please download the Sora App, choose Secondary EBooks NOW as our School and login using your UoB School email address.
Alternatively, you can login to Sora through RM Unify or, if you are already logged into Accessit, you can click on the URL of the book to read it directly from there.
How to use Accessit
- Click on your year group link below.
- Login through RM Unify using your UoB School username and password.
- Reserve books and have them delivered to your form room! (You can also access e-books).
- How to use Accessit.
- Year 7, 8, and 9 Accessit
- Year 10 and 11 Accessit
- Year 12 and 13 Accessit
Meet our Librarian
Hello, I’m Ms Middleton, the School Librarian…
I love working in the library because I’m surrounded by books all day and get to talk about books all day! I am passionate about the importance of reading for pleasure and I am a firm believer that all young people have the potential to enjoy reading, they just haven’t discovered the right book for them yet, and it’s my job to help them find it!
It’s a real privilege to be here at UoB School where reading is valued so highly and be part of the reading journey for so many pupils, students, and staff.
Follow the UoB School Library Instagram and Twitter accounts for all the latest updates and new book arrivals!
What can you find in the Library?
A place to find your next great read!
The majority of our ‘story’ books are organized A-Z by author surname and are a mixture of genres (funny, scary, adventure and so on). We also have a great selection of manga and graphic novels, classics and quick, accessible reads as well as adult fiction. There should be something for everyone!
Non Fiction Books
Our non-fiction books will introduce you to, and help you read around, academic subjects from Art through to Sociology. They’re a mixture of fun, accessible reads and more scholarly texts to support study. We have a large reference section as well as plenty of books on popular topics like gaming, sport and cookery.
A place to study and relax
We offer a calm, quiet space away from the hubbub of the main school to come talk about books, settle down to some revision, use our I-pads for homework or research or simply sit on a comfy sofa and read your book! We also stock the main subject text books and revision guides for GCSE and A level.
A place to stay informed
We have a daily copy of the Times and The Guardian delivered to help keep you up-to-date with what’s going on in the world as well as a range of academic journals such as Science Focus. Or you can just relax with Top Gear, Match or Shout magazine. Check out our online journals and resources over at Accessit.
