Cranham Library User Guide

Cranham Library User Guide for First to Third Form 2025-26

General Information Library Manager Mrs Whitehead library@cokethorpe.org

Library Opening Hours Monday to Friday – 8.30am to 4.30pm

Do I need a Library Card?

No! Your Library record is looked up using your surname and books are checked out electronically to your account.

How many books can I borrow at a time?

You can borrow up to three books at once.

How long can I borrow a book?

You can borrow books for two weeks, but if you have not finished reading a book at the end of this time and no-one else has reserved it, you can ask Mrs Whitehead to renew it for another two weeks. If someone has requested the book, you will need to give it back to the Library, but you can always borrow it again after the other person is done.

Can I borrow books to read during the holidays?

Yes! Loans that are due to be back during the holidays are automatically extended until you return to School.

How will I know if my book needs to be returned?

An email will be sent to your Cokethorpe email address reminding you that your book is overdue. When you receive an email, books should either be returned to the Library, or you should contact Mrs Whitehead to ask for your book loan to be renewed for another two weeks.

How do I return a book?

Books should be left in clear plastic Returns box outside the Library door or handed to the Library Manager. If you have borrowed a book, it should never just be put back on the shelf. It must be checked in by the Library Manager to ensure that it is cleared from your current loans list.

What if my book is late?

Don’t worry – just talk Mrs Whitehead or return it. If a book is overdue by more than one term, the replacement cost will be added your parents’ end of term bill, but you will have lots of reminders before then!

What if I accidentally damage a book?

First – don’t panic! These things happen! Speak to Mrs Whitehead. If possible, she will try to save the book but if it’s too damaged, the cost of a replacement will be added to your parents’ end of term bill. However, it’s always better if you take care of the books that you borrow, respect them and try to keep them away from drinks and pets.

What if the book I want to read is not on the shelf?

If the book is in the Library but on loan to someone else, then you can reserve it, just speak to Mrs Whitehead. If the book is not currently stocked in the Library, but you think that it should be, let Mrs Whitehead know and she can buy a copy. It’s always great to hear about new books that you would recommend to other pupils!

How are books organised in the Library?

Fiction books are arranged on the shelves alphabetically by the author’s last name, from left to right and top to bottom. The Library’s fiction books are separated into a number of sections as follows: • Accelerated Reader • Young Adult • Graphic Novels • Quick Reads

• Classic • Senior Newly arrived books can be found on the display bookshelf immediately to the left as you enter the Library.

First Form pupils will usually be expected to choose books from the Quick Read, Graphic Novel and Accelerated Reader Fiction sections. If you would like to read a book that is from one of the section’s aimed at older pupils, you may need your parents’ permission before you are able to borrow the book.

Non-Fiction books are currently being re-catalogued so that they are shelved alphabetically by academic subject. There are notices on the shelves which should help you locate a particular subject, but if you are looking for a particular book, then please ask Mrs Whitehead who will point you in the right direction.

When can I use the Library?

The Library is open at break and lunchtimes. You are also welcome to return or borrow books between 8.30am and the start of registration at 8.40am or during registration with the permission of your tutor.

Can I eat and drink in the Library?

Eating or drinking is not allowed in the Library.

Are there any magazines available to read?

The following magazines are available for you to read while you are in the Library: • BBC Wildlife • Hindsight (GCSE History) • BBC Science Focus • Wide World (GCSE Geography) • Teen Breathe • Copies of all School publications • The Week

Is there anything else I need to know?

• Coats and bags should not be brought into the Library. They should be left on the landing outside, but you are welcome to bring in your Surface device and any equipment you need if you are working at one of the tables.

• You should sit at a table if you are using your Surface device in the Library, but you are welcome to curl up on a sofa or one of the beanbags if you want to read a book. Just remember to take your shoes off if you want to put your feet on the furniture!

• Mindful colouring sheets and pencils are available for you to use during breaktimes and lunchtimes if you’d like to do something creative and on Friday lunchtimes, you are welcome to borrow one of the boardgames that are available to play a game quietly with your friends.

Library Code of Conduct • Pupils are expected to behave in accordance with the School Rules and

within the guidelines set out in the following policies: Promoting Good Behaviour, the Microsoft Surface Device Policy and the ICT Policy.

• All Library users must be courteous and respectful of other Library users.

• The Library is a quiet working environment, and noise levels should reflect this. Socialising or potentially disruptive work should be done elsewhere.

• If a pupil is behaving in a way that the Library Manager finds inappropriate, they will be asked to leave.

• Headphones may only be used if they are needed to complete homework assignments set by teachers and pupils should seek permission from the Library Manager before they are used.

• Surface devices should only be used in the Library for the purposes of homework or revision and not for playing computer games of any description.

• No food or drink may be consumed in the Library.

Library Lessons All First to Third Form pupils have one Library lesson every fortnight with their English teacher and Mrs Whitehead. These are shown on your timetable as an English lesson taking place in ‘CL’ (the Cranham Library).

While these lessons provide a wonderful opportunity for some silent reading in the busyness of the School day, they are also an important tool in helping you to develop the reading skills that are vital for success across all your academic subjects. Library lessons are therefore subject to the same expectations as (for example) a Maths or Geography lesson.

These expectations include: • That you arrive promptly for your lesson, dressed correctly and that you line up quietly to the right as you face the Library door.

• That you make sure that you bring the book that you are currently reading to every Library lesson – whether it’s a book from home or from the Library. It is important that you achieve consistency with your reading, and it is difficult to do this if you are choosing a new book for every lesson. If you are not enjoying your book, then you should speak to your English teacher or Mrs Whitehead.

• That you take responsibility for sitting somewhere where you will be able to concentrate on your reading without feeling the need to talk to the person next to you.

• That you use the time at the very beginning of a lesson to quiz on a book that you have just finished (see the information on ‘Accelerated Reader’ below) or to choose a new book.

• That you make sure that your Reading Card (see below) is kept up to date. There will be time at the end of the lesson for you to renew your Library book or to take out a new one and you can use this time to update your Reading Card too.

All pupils and students across the whole School are expected to read for at least 20 minutes every day, so you should also be reading your book outside of Library lessons.

Accelerated Reader What is Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader is a programme that enables you to choose books at the right reading level for you and to keep track of your reading over an academic year.

You can also quiz on books to bank the number of words you have read in order to become a Word Millionaire. At Cokethorpe, all First to Third Form pupils use Accelerated Reader.

Your Accelerated Reader word totals are reset at the end of every School year.

How will I know which level of book I should be reading?

You will see that most of the books in the Accelerated Reader section of the Library have coloured stars at the top of their spines. At beginning of each academic year, you should choose books that interest you, without worrying too much about star levels. During the Michaelmas Term you will sit a short online reading assessment (called Star Reader) which will indicate which coloured star you should be looking for. Once you have done your first Star Reader test, a coloured star will be added to your Reading Card.

Choosing a book at your star level will ensure that you are reading at the right level for you. You are welcome to try reading a book in a higher star group, although you should be aware that you may find some of the words a little tricky, but you should aim not to regularly read books that are from the group below your star level. It is likely that you will have at least two Star Reader tests over the course of a year and if appropriate your star colour will be changed on your Reading Card.

What are Reading Cards and how do I use them?

At the start of each academic year up until the end of Third Form you will be given a Reading Card which is kept in the Library. You should use your Reading Card to record every book that you read during the year –

whether it is a book from the School Library or one from home. It is especially important that you log any books that aren’t on Accelerated Reader as this will allow your English teacher to see what (and how much) you are reading. Your Card will always be available for you to fill in during your Library lessons and at break and lunchtimes.

How can I become a Word Millionaire?

Every time you start a book, you should check whether there is a quiz on Accelerated Reader. If the book is from the Library and there is a coloured star on the spine, there will be a quiz available but it’s always worth checking even if this isn’t the case (for example if you are reading a book from home).

HINT: If there is a coloured star on the spine of your book, the Quiz Number on the white sticker inside the front cover is an easy way of searching for your book!

You should quiz as soon as possible after you have finished a book (and definitely within 48 hours). Quizzes contain 10 or 20 short questions to see how well you have understood the book, so it is important that you give yourself the best chance of passing while the book is still fresh in your mind! If you pass the quiz with 80% or more, you will bank the number of words in your book towards your Millionaire total.

Can I quiz on books that I have read before the start of the school year?

No! You should always quiz within 48 hours of finishing a book to give yourself the best chance of passing. However, at the beginning of the School year in September you may quiz on one book that you have finished during the last week of the holiday. You should not try to quiz on books that you have read before this or on books that you have read in the past.

Can I quiz during holidays?

Absolutely! You will be able to access Accelerated Reader during holidays throughout the academic year, so you can continue to quiz as soon as you finish a book.

How are my achievements in Accelerated Reader celebrated?

There is a Word Count Chart for every First to Third Form class in the Library. These are updated every Friday morning with the individual pupil word counts for that week, so you will be able to see your progress up the chart as you bank your words.

If you bank a million words in one year, your name will be added onto the Library ‘Millionaire Board’, and you will receive a certificate and book token in The Head’s Assembly to celebrate your achievement.

However, on the way to achieving a million words, you can also get recommendations and treats for passing four quizzes with 100%. The quizzes don’t have to be consecutive. Make sure you keep your Reading Card up to date and let Mrs Whitehead know if you have passed four quizzes with 100% to collect your prize!

How to Quiz on Accelerated Reader Taking a Quiz:  Click on the link to the Pupil Information Page at the top of the General channel in your year group Team (ie, Lower House Team, Second Form Team, Third Form Team).  Scroll down the Pupil Information Page until you get to the Library link and right click.  Scroll down the Library page and click on the Eclipse and Accelerated Reader drop down menu then click on the blue ‘Accelerated Reader’ logo:

 Log into Accelerated Reader using your username and password as follows: Username: your Cokethorpe email address (eg, alansmith@cokethorpe.org) Password: abc (this is case sensitive so make sure you are using lowercase letters!)

HINT: You can only log into Accelerated Reader using the link from the Pupil Information Page. If you try typing ‘Accelerated Reader’ into a search engine, your password will NOT work!  Use the orange Accelerated Reader button to search for the book you have just finished reading and take the quiz.

HINT: If there is a white sticker on the inside front cover of your book, it is much easier to use the Quiz Number to find the quiz!  Don’t forget to write your quiz results onto your Reading Card and let Mrs Whitehead know if you have achieved 100% in four quizzes to receive a treat!

Happy Quizzing!

Eclipse What is Eclipse?

Eclipse is the software that is used to run and manage the Library. You can log into Eclipse to keep track of your overdue books, view past and current loans and to search for your next read! You will also be able to see the new books that have been added to the Library catalogue and books that have recently been returned or are trending!

How can I access Eclipse?  Click on the link to the Pupil Information Page at the top of the General channel in your year group Team (ie, Lower House Team, Second Form Team or Third Form Team).  Scroll down the Pupil Information Page until you get to the Library link and right click.  Scroll down the Library page and click on the Eclipse and Accelerated Reader drop down menu then click on the Eclipse.net logo:

 Log into Eclipse using your username and password as follows: Username: your Cokethorpe email address (eg, alansmith@cokethorpe.org) Password: Library

User Guide Quiz 1. How many books are you allowed to borrow from the Library at the same time?

2. What should you make sure you bring to every Library lesson?

3. What time does the Library open in the morning?

4. What do you receive as a prize if you bank a million words in one year on Accelerated Reader?

5. What is the software that is used to run and manage the Library called?

6. Where should you put a book that you are returning to the Library?

7. “You are welcome to talk loudly with your friends and to play computer games on your Surface devices in the Library during break times”.

Is this statement TRUE or FALSE? (circle the right answer) 8. How many quizzes do you need to pass with 100% to get a recommendation and a sweet treat?

9. What are the minimum number of minutes you should spend reading each day?