Summer Term
All pupils and students to return to school on Monday 19 April at the usual start times. View full term dates here.
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.
UoB School Virtual Library
Take a look a our virtual library loaded with book reviews, book readings and recommendations. Click on the links below to access:
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!
Current Library Services
Since April 2020 we have been running our library in a slightly different way, offering ‘click and collect’, book deliveries to form rooms, ‘personal shopper’ book suggestions and a mobile book trolley. During the current lockdown (January 2021) we are asking that you make the most of our fantastic e-book platform, Sora, to access e-books and audiobooks from home.
“When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.”
Sora Reading App
An extensive and up-to-date e-book library for pupils and students to download books for reading at home on the Sora Reading App.
Click here to watch a quick video guide on how to get started on the app.
If you aren’t sure about login details for this app, please email Ms Middleton for access h.middleton@uobschool.org.uk
Reading Cloud
Reading Cloud is our online library catalogue. Once logged in you can search all the books we hold in the library, make a reservation or write a book review (and earn a GREEN stamp).
There are also links to useful and reliable websites on a wide range of subjects – perfect for helping with projects and homework. Just type a subject you want to know more about into the search box and see what comes up.
The Reading List page collects together themed lists; some bespoke for year groups (such as subject wider reading lists for sixth form) and others of general interest (such as recent arrivals into the library).
If you aren’t sure about login details for this app, please email Ms Middleton for access h.middleton@uobschool.org.uk
Looking for something to read during lockdown?
Take a look at the latest book recommendations below for your next adventure:
Events
October 2020
- National Poetry Day – poet and author Louisa Reid spoke to us about her verse novels and delivered a poetry workshop for Year 9 pupils.
- Black History Month – Alex Wheatle spoke to us about his new novel, Cane Warriors in an assembly for Years 8 and 9.
December 2020
- Scholastic Book Fair (postponed)
February 2021
- Connecting Stories with Sathnam Sanghera – Creative Writing Competition – The Stories of our City.
March 2021
- World Book Day
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 R.S. 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.