Senior Library
The Senior Library is situated in ‘Rosary Corridor’, which links St. Mary’s Building with Walton House, the original convent. As part of the new school building work in 2006, the Library was refurbished to blend in with the new school. It is used primarily by senior pupils for independent study and is available before and after school for quiet study and homework for all year groups. A member of staff is always present to assist and facilitate pupils’ learning. Books can be sourced, ordered and issued to pupils and staff.
Resources Available
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The Library has a total stock of over 12,000 books, encyclopaedias and digital resources, updated annually.
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Daily newspapers are provided and a range of magazines including New Scientist, Politics Review, National Geographic and The Tablet are also available.
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Current information from universities and other further educational institutions are provided as well as information regarding events occurring in local theatres and museums in the Greater Belfast area.
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Laptops are available and there is access to the Internet, printers and Wi-Fi connection for iPads.
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The Junior Library, which caters for Years 8-10 is also open at regular intervals to pupils to access the wealth of reading materials available.
Extra–Curricular
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Book Clubs and Reading Groups.
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Online Book Club for all year groups.
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Celebration of Literary Festivals: National Poetry Day, World Book Day.
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Allocated times for year groups to visit the Senior and Junior Libraries.
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Writers’ visits – Cecelia Aherne, celebrated author, Sinead Morrissey, Belfast’s first Poet Laureate (2013-1 4), Ciaran Carson, Director of Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry, Belfast, Tony Walsh, poet, Ruth Eastham, author of YA Fiction, Tanya Roberts, Comic Artist.
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Liaison with QUB ‘McClay Library’ for pupil visits and talks.
Pupils’ Thoughts
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‘A peaceful and motivational environment that is relaxed and stress free.’
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‘An atmosphere of calm and positive energy making it easy to get work done’
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‘Offers tranquillity and much needed comfort throughout the year.’
‘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