LIBRARY IMPACT REPORT
ACADEMIC YEAR 2024 - 2025
THE BOURNE LIBRARY
Authored by: Mr. TERENCE CHAN Head of Libraries and Archives
1. A Message from the Bourne Library
- Terence Chan (Head of Libraries & Archives)
2. Library Statistics
3 Information Literacy and Research Skills
- Information Skills Lessons (Middle School)
- HABS Diploma (Extended Research Project)
- Dawson Project
- Non-Examined Assessment A Level History 4. EDI (Equity Diversity and Inclusivity) 5. World Book Day Week 6. Author Visits
- SF Said
- Tim Peake
- Hiba Noor Khan
- Paul Dowswell 7. Wider School Engagements 8. Mental Health and Well- Being 9. The Writers’ Vestibule at The Bourne Library
TIM PEAKE LANDS AT THE BOURNE LIBRARY
“Tim Peake’s visit really inspired me to read more about Space and the galaxy. We really enjoyed listening to his adventures in space and his interesting facts” Year 7 student
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOURNE LIBRARY
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to a very vibrant Library Impact Report 2024 -2025. This report not only gives you an overview of the library throughout the academic year, but it is also a celebration that encapsulates the many successes, achievements and memories that makes The Bourne Library an exceptional place to learn, discover and thrive.
As you read through you will no doubt be reminded of how the Bourne library is firmly positioned at the heart of the school, enshrined within by our values of Ambition, Curiosity, Courage and Community.
Reading is an integral part of learning and personal development. Evidence suggests that there is a positive relationship between reading frequency, reading, enjoyment and attainment (Clark and Rumbold, 2006) HABS is a community of avid readers, and we promote reading in every aspect of their school life whether it be through their reading for pleasure or reading for purpose.
The challenge we face each year is finding innovative ways to enthuse, engage and stretch a reader which is no mean feat. Close collaboration with teachers and subject departments have always been fundamental in achieving this goal.
We continue to create a studious and comfortable environment for our students and encourage reading as a positive strategy in promoting mental health and wellbeing. Research from the National Literacy Trust has shown that young people who read are three times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing than children who are least engaged.
(Clark &Teravainen- Goff, 2018)
In this report you will see how we celebrate Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity in every shape or form ranging from Pride, Women’s History, to religious and cultural celebrations. We continue to build on our diverse collection of books so that every student at HABS can relate to, or identify themselves, somewhere within the shelf In this library everyone is welcomed, and no one is left behind. We look forward to another exciting academic year in September.
Terence Chan
Head of Libraries and Archive
THE DEPARTMENT
Head of Libraries and Archives
Mr. Terence Chan BSc Hons MA MKLA Assistant Librarian
Ms. Catherine Daly BA Hons School Archivist
Mr. Ian Douglas BA (Hons) MA Library Assistant
Mrs. Ana Sellen BA (Eqv) Prep and Pre Prep Librarian
Ms. Clare Zinkin BA Hons
HABS: A COMMUNITY OF READERS
LIBRARY STATISTICS
Please note that this number only indicates loans in school – most students have told us that they also use their local libraries, personal eBooks, buy their own books or borrow books from their friends.
- Increasing Lower Sixth and Year 10 loans will be next year’s goal.
All Year 7s completed a series of information literacy and library skills sessions throughout the academic year to prepare them to become confident independent researchers.
INFORMATION LITERACY AND RESEARCH SKILLS
“Our library lessons were very interactive, and we had the opportunity to learn information skills that will be invaluable to us in the future” Year 7 Student
LIBRARY LESSONS
“I can confidently use the library catalogue to source books and other resources” Year 7 Student
This year the department designed, implemented and delivered a series of library lessons for all Year 7 students. There sessions were interactive and delivered during their English library lessons. The four sections included “Exploring the Bourne Library” learning how books are classified and located; “Using the Library Catalogue”; “Digital Resources” featuring our online subscriptions, and a two-part session on “Reading for Pleasure”. The final session was a presentation from their chosen book. At each session students were encouraged to borrow two books on a different genre. Students were reminded that information literacy skills are life skills that they will use above and beyond their time at HABS.
MIDDLE SCHOOL READING FOR PLEASURE LESSONS
For the final part of our Library induction programme, Year 7s took part in a dynamic two-part lesson exploring reading for pleasure. Students were asked to consider the benefits of reading, from the sheer enjoyment of reading to the mental health and academic benefits. To select the ideal book students were encouraged to reflect on their own reading preferences by looking at favourite authors, books, and hobbies and interests. With two weeks to read their books our final lesson saw students enthusiastically taking centre stage and promoting their book choice to their classmates. We witnessed some fine speaking with prizes awarded to the most convincing and enthusiastic orators. Finally, students were asked to swap books with a classmate selecting and unfamiliar genre or author to widen their reading experience and provide some reading material for the summer holiday.
LIBRARY INFORMATION SKILLS LESSONS
All students in Year 9 were invited to a series of Library Information skills lessons as part of their Dawson Project. Topics covered included Academic Honesty and Plagiarism, Sourcing reliable resources, note-taking, bibliographies and referencing. Students had the opportunity to access a variety of online resources on the Bourne Library’s online resources platform
After the session, students had the opportunity to talk to librarians about their individual projects and how to get started. Students who had further questions were encouraged to book a one-to-one session with a librarian during lunch or after school. We hope to include more of these sessions in the future.
“I found the topic on referencing really useful, and this has helped me throughout my research project” Year 9 Student
HABS DIPLOMA AND THE EXTENDED RESEARCH PROJECT
In September, students from the boys’ and girls’ school were invited to the Bourne Hall for a talk delivered by librarians on “How to Research your ideas?” The session included topics on how to find, evaluate and using information effectively. In addition, we discussed the importance of using a wide variety of reliable resources from books, journals and the use of online subscriptions such as JSTOR.
Throughout the academic year, sixth formers arranged one to one sessions with librarians where we discussed research strategies,
NON-EXAMINED ASSESSMENT
HISTORY LIBRARY RESEARCH SKILLS LESSONS
Liaising with the History department lessons were given to Year 12 to assist them with their A level History NEA. Students had a quick refresh on the use of our Library catalogue and were introduced to the amazing resources available to them through our membership of the London Library and subscription to JSTOR, in addition to our wealth of resources that the Library offers in hard copy and digitally. We also advised on guides to assist with essay referencing and essay writing. Students had the opportunity to explore the new additions to the library stock to support their reading and research for the NEA.
SUPPORTING HISTORY RESOURCES
Working with the History Department our Modern and Ancient History section has been extensively overhauled with many new books purchased to support the A Level History modules. The resources focused on; Industrialization and the People; Britain 1783 –1885; The American Dream; The Tudors 1485- 1603, and The Birth of the USA, 1760 – 1801.
“This was a really useful session where the librarians prepared a selection of books relating to my area of study Early Modern – Stuart Britain” We also had the chance to look at JSTOR and other online resources on The Bourne Library Digital platform”.
Year 12 student
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In the month of October we celebrated Black History Month with the theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexities of Black Heritage.
Displays and reading lists featuring fiction and nonfiction were on display for students to read through. Black History Month was also an opportunity for us to showcase successful black figures who have made a mark in literature, art and history. We continue to promote and build on diversity in our collection.
LGBT HISTORY & PRIDE
This year the library celebrated LGBT HISTORY MONTH in February by looking at the history of Stonewall and celebrating the lives and achievements of many historical figures in the fight for equality and recognition. Represented in the display was Alan Turing, whose genius shortened WWII by several years and saving many lives but sadly was criminalised for his homosexuality. Another biography, Gentleman Jack, charts the life of Anne Lister during the 19th century - a strong and successful woman ahead of her times. On an upbeat note, Football’s Coming Out, by Neil Beasley, explores the more recent challenge to homophobia that has riddled the game for years.
The annual Pride celebration was also a focal point in the library showcasing a selection of non-fiction and fictional works depicting LGBTQ themes highlighting inclusivity and acceptance within our school and promoting The Bourne Library as a welcoming safe space for all.
This year’s theme is Community as a Superpower
To promote the national celebration of Refugee Week the Library is currently displaying a variety of books looking at refugee experiences. Selected for the display are well known novels such as Benjamin Zephaniah’s, Refugee Boy, alongside relatively new texts such as, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, by YA author, Zoulfa Katouh, which tells the story of two young people driven to escape the Syrian revolution by a perilous boat journey. Similarly, Khaled Hosseini’s, Sea Prayer, a poetic letter from a father to a son, charts another perilous seaborne journey to seek safety.
Whatever the medium, or the conflict, the journey or the final destination explored in these works, the unifying element is the way in these texts serve to humanise refugee experience in what so often is lost in the mere presentation of statistics.
“We can begin the process of making community wherever we are. We can begin by sharing a smile, a warm greeting, a bit of conversation; by doing a kind deed or by acknowledging kindness offered to us.” -
Bell Hooks
To celebrate the Lunar New Year the library created a colourful display filled with Chinese decorations and artifacts. Our museum cases displayed common Chinese objects of interest including an ancient abacus, an oriental calligraphy set and relics from terracotta warriors. Students also had the opportunity to write Happy New Year in Chinese characters
CELEBRATING AUTHORS OF EAST ASIA
In addition to the festive celebrations the Bourne Library also celebrated east Asian and Chinese authors and stories from south-east Asia
FESTIVE READS
The Bourne Library once again turned into a magical winter wonderland. Amongst the twinkling lights and shiny baubles were lots of festive books to read over the holidays. From the classic Charles Dicken’s, A Christmas Carol to Skipping Christmas, by John Grisham.
FESTIVE READS
WINTER BLUES
For students who couldn’t decide on a book to read over the festive break we suggested reading a blue book instead. Surprisingly, this was very successful with a student even suggesting yellow books for the following month.
“Every day is World Book Day at The Bourne Library “
World Book Day Week 2025
A whole week of literary activities for students to choose from
LONG STORY SHORT – TEACHERS SHORT STORIES
Another Long Story Short activity was hosted in a crowded library where we welcomed members of staff to share a favourite short story or book extract with students. The event attracted a huge turnout with students from all year groups perched on chairs, sitting on the floor or standing, and who were captivated and entertained for an entire lunchtime listening to a wealth of personally selected, and intriguing stories.
Haberdashers’ Boys’ School stood immaculate, its red-bricked grandeur betraying no hint of the ruin it had once known (��1). In 1947, fire had gutted the west wing (��2), the cause left to rumor and silence. Days before, in a dimly lit classroom, boys in crisp blazers had gathered around a peculiar radio set (��3), their teacher, Mr. Alderton, adjusting dials with fevered intent. Then he was gone—vanished without farewell or trace. Only later did they notice him, a spectral figure at the edge of a cross-country race (��4), half-absorbed into the trees, as if listening for something no one else could hear.
PREP SCHOOL WINNERS
MILO B
The snow crunched beneath Thomas’s boots as he approached the grand, centuries-old school building. Winter had wrapped the grounds in a thick layer of white, and icicles hung from the roof like silent sentinels. Most of the students had gone home for the break, leaving the vast estate eerily quiet. But Thomas, the head prefect, had volunteered to stay behind to help Mr. Hawthorne, the school archivist, with sorting through forgotten records. He enjoyed the solitude and was eager to uncover pieces of the school’s history. Little did he know he was about to stumble upon something far more mysterious than dusty old books. The west wing had always been his favourite part of the school. Its stone walls echoed with stories of the past, and its archives held secrets that time had forgotten. As Thomas sorted through a pile of old documents and photographs, his fingers brushed against something unusual a worn leather-bound journal tucked beneath a stack of yellowed newspapers. Intrigued, he gently opened it. The first entry was dated December 1940. The handwriting was neat but urgent, as though the writer had been in a hurry. “The experiment is almost complete. We’re so close now... but the power we’re toying with it’s unpredictable.” Thomas’s brow furrowed as he turned the pages.
The entries became more frantic, filled with diagrams and strange symbols. His eyes were drawn to a grainy photograph tucked between the pages a group of formally dressed students standing around a peculiar device that looked like something out of a science fiction novel. The caption read: “The Society of St. Alban – 1941.” Thomas had heard whispers about this secret society, a group of brilliant young minds who gathered to explore the limits of science and philosophy. But the journal hinted at something darker. As he continued to read, Thomas uncovered the truth. The society had built a machine one they believed could open a window to other dimensions. But something had gone terribly wrong. Another photograph sent a chill down his spine it showed the west wing in ruins, debris scattered everywhere. A note attached to the photo read: “Aftermath of the 1941 fire. The truth buried within these walls.” Determined to learn more, Thomas followed the journal’s cryptic clues, leading him to an ancient oak tree on the edge of the school’s grounds. The tree stood like a guardian, its roots twisting deep into the earth. Beneath it, Thomas unearthed a rusted metal box, its hinges creaking as he pried it open. Inside, he found more photographs, blueprints of the machine, and a chilling note: “If this is ever found, know that what we unleashed can never be undone. The machine was dismantled, but echoes of its power remain. Beware... the door may not be fully closed.” Thomas’s mind raced as he processed the implications. Just as he stood up, the distant sound of pounding footsteps echoed through the stillness. A group of students, laughing and carefree, jogged past him as part of the school’s annual crosscountry race. They had no idea they were running past the very place where a dangerous secret had been buried one that Thomas now realized might not stay buried for much longer. A chill ran down his spine, but this time, it wasn’t from the cold. Something told him that the past was not done with St. Alban’s just yet.
ETTIENE F (UPPER SCHOOL)
4. As the wind hit Jerry’s face, the race had started and he had taken the lead. The sun shining down on all the participants, it was promised a good day. Fluffy clouds galore, hanging in the open, blue sky. It didn’t take much effort to realise today was going to be a good day. A good day in Jerry’s world. You see, I am the… What I need to build up character and suspense first! Rewind… 3. It was the winter of the year 968, World Earth 40.6… A young boy, along with his gang of friends were heading to school. Something just didn’t sit right in the atmosphere and what the boys had feared was going to happen was going to happen. Skipping to when they entered into the laboratory, everyone was at edge. But what went on would change those boys lives forever. What had seemed like an eternity, many test were put on the boys. Screams as loud as foxes in a fight, the boys were hurt and different. Their lives had been changed, the scientists theory worked, but not in a good way. 2. One of those boys managed to escape before the scientists realised and when he left he wasn’t standing outside his science lab, no, he was outside a unfinished, building worksite. It seemed deserted until I came across him. The man. The boy asked him where he was, and the man replied in what seemed like really weird Russian? With no hope of understanding what was being said, the boy left and before he knew it he was standing in a pile of snow. 1. What seemed like an old Victorian building, in his understanding of it, was stood right in front of him. With snow still falling from the sky, it had to be in the minus 20s and he was shivering. How the boy managed to get to where he was he didn’t know. The only thing he could do was go forward into the building, it was to cold outside anyway. When he rang the doorbell he was surprised to see what he saw. From that moment on there was no going back now. He had to find out how he was travelling and quick. Before it was too late. By Dexter G (Middle School Winner)
CARNEIGE SHORTLISTED AUTHOR: HIBA NOOR KHAN
Our World Book Day week culminated in an author visit from award winning author, Hiba Noor Khan, whose book, Safiyyah’s War, was nominated for the Carnegie shortlist for writing in 2024. Hiba spoke about her unusual yet interesting career from being an engineer and Physics teacher to becoming a popular YA writer. She also spoke about the importance of stories in our lives, and how stories affect us psychologically, drawing us together, highlighting similarities rather than differences between us. For budding authors in the audience, Hiba also gave us insight into the writing process and shared her own writing experiences. She spoke in great detail about her current book set in the Grand Mosque, Paris during the Second World War, which was based on little-known real-life events. Students were captivated by the bravery of the Muslims who helped Jewish people escape Nazi persecution by sheltering them in the Mosque and obtaining false papers to make escape possible and ultimately save lives whilst risking their own. The talk ended with a Q&A session and students presenting their own copies of, Safiyyah’s War, for signing by Hiba. A second, well attended talk was given by Hiba in the Library during lunchtime to give students from all year groups an opportunity to take part in the author visit.
TIM PEAKE VISIT TO THE BOURNE LIBRARY
We were over the moon to welcome British astronaut Tim Peake to HABS in October. His talk was filled with thrilling stories and interesting facts about space travel. This was an opportunity for us to showcase our selection of Astronomy, Space and Physics books. Tim briefly answered questions from students at The Bourne Library, and we know his visit inspired many students to read around this very interesting topic.
In the Summer Term we invited award winning author Paul Dowswell to speak with Year 7 and Year 8 students. David’s first talk of the day was on his book Auslander which tells the complex story of a Polish orphan who is adopted by a German family. It was a thought-provoking and engaging talk to the Middle School students, and Paul gave a chilling account of the life of German people under the Nazi rule, even offering an example of the music people were forced to listen to. Year 7 and Year 8 learned about the atrocities committed as well as the different ways young German people rebelled against the regime. The talk ended with some very impressive questions from our students.
During period 2 Paul very kindly offered to do a workshop on Creating Characters with 8V. The students had to describe four soldiers in each picture before they wrote a short paragraph. Several students read out loud their pieces and Paul was impressed with their creativity, especially the use of compelling adjectives to describe the historical characters and powerful metaphors to reveal their thoughts and experiences.
The second and last talk of the day was given to a group of students from Hertswood, one of HABS Partnership schools. Eleven Eleven tells the story of three very young soldiers of different nationalities and paints a vivid picture of the fighting that happened during the last hours of WWI. Paul talked about the conditions in which soldiers were fighting and the various weapons they were using. When one of the students asked why he decided to write this book, Paul replied, “Because I do not want people to forget the horrors of a war” .
AWARD WINNING AUTHOR SF SAID VISITS HABS
British writer SF Said came to speak with the Prep and Pre Prep and Middle School students in the Summer Term. His talk was both interesting and insightful raising lots of questions from the audience. SF Said is well known for his novels, Varjak Paw (2003), The Outlaw Varjak Paw (2005) and Tyger (2022).
WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR 7 WITH THEIR BOOK REVIEWS ON A POSTCARD
BOOK REVIEW ON A POSTCARD
Over the summer break we invited the New Year 7 students to write us a Book Review on a postcard We received over 132 book reviews.
Every postcard was displayed in the Library with their chosen book This was a great opportunity for Year 7s to discuss what books they had read and some ideas for students of what to read next.
A BOOK FROM THE BOURNE LIBRARY FOR EVERY NEW YEAR 7 STUDENT
All new Year 7s received a special gift from The Bourne Library and Admissions. Students were encouraged to read the book and share it with their peers or siblings. This year titles included, “Talking to Alaska’ , “The London Eye Mysteries” and “Impossible Creatures’ .
WE RECEIVED 132 BOOK REVIEWS ON A POSTCARD OVER THE SUMMER BREAK FROM OUR NEW YEAR 7 STUDENTS
We took students on a literary journey around the world in eighty reads. A selection of books was on display to represent the expansive landscape of world literature today.
AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY READS
We took students on a literary journey with an ‘Around the World in Eighty Reads’.
As you enter the library, you will notice Phileas Fogg’s ‘inspired’ hot air ballon. Interestingly, many of you would associate Phileas Fogg with a hot air ballon, but did you know there was never a mention in Jules Verne’s original novel in 1872, ‘Le Tour du monde en quartre-vingts jours’.
Despite all odds, Fogg and Passepartout, successfully circumnavigate the world in eighty days. During his journey Fogg survives tremendous adventures, discovers extraordinary places, encounters fascinating people and diverse cultures.
Now we invite YOU to take to the skies and relive Fogg’s adventures by reading your way around the world in the comfort of your own home. Discover exciting places, characters, and diverse cultures through a wide variety of books.
Something eerie was happening at The Bourne Library in November and this could only mean TWO things, Ghost tales and Quiet Horror. We have selected a few authors who we believe are the masters of such frightening tales such as Sarah Waters, Jennifer McMahon, and Stephen King.
GENRE QUIET HORROR
‘There are so many enticing elements of horror that draw readers in and hold their attention. It's the dread-inducing suspense, chilling prose or maybe that creeping tension winding tighter and tighter. Quiet horror is a subgenre of horror that focuses on creating a sense of unease and fear through atmosphere, suggestion, and psychological depth, rather than relying on graphic violence or shock tactics.’
WIDER SCHOOL ENGAGEMENTS
THE COMPETITION
We invited students to write a short piece of creative writing incorporating characteristics of Quiet Horror. Students were asked to continue the story. “The Old Library above the Bourne Hall had been abandoned for decades, but tonight a light flickered through the window… “
We received over ONE HUNDRED entries
“The Old Library above the Bourne Hall had been abandoned for decades, but tonight a light flickered through the window…”
Middle School Winner: Harry B
Winner Ishaan V (Upper School)
WIDER SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT GRAPHIC NOVELS
GRAPHIC NOVELS
On INSET Day the department ventured into London for a graphic novel buying spree at GOSH COMICS We came back full of amazing graphic novels ranging from Marvel, Manga and Graphic Novel interpretations of original books. Mr. Arnsberg, our resident GN expert gave us some YA (Young Adult) recommendations. We were also fortunate to have an amazing talk about “How to read comics”. Students discovered that there is so much more to learn from the illustrations, colour and layout of comics. At the end, students had the opportunity to ask questions which lasted as long as the talk.
It’s a bird... It’s a plane… no it’s Mr S Arnsberg. (Please note not all superheroes wear capes... some just simply wear a colourful jacket).
In March, the Bourne Library magically transformed into a dream world of fairies, contagious fog, and moonlight revels. Our enchanting display was inspired by William Shakespeare’s magical and beguiling comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
During Shakespeare Week we created a display featuring all things Shakespeare, from his famous plays to a selection of graphic novels adaptations. We also had the opportunity to show Baz Luhmann’s screen adaptation of Romeo and Juliet on the big screen at The Bourne Library.
” I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:’
modernism
Using paintings created by our students as a backdrop, the Library collated a visually exciting display of books exploring Modernism - a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century that experimented with new techniques and styles, breaking way from conventions of the past. The selection of books chosen for the display engage with many subjects in the curriculum: art, music, design, literature and architecture. By exploring the writing of Virginia Woolf and James Joyce, the art of Picasso and Matisse, the ground-breaking architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier, and the music of Stravinsky, students are invited to step away from perceiving subjects as wholly independent of each other and identify connections between subjects, and in the case of Modernism - art spilling over into the realms of politics and philosophy.
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU…
A long time ago in a galaxy far away….
It is a period of exam revision. There is an unnerving silence at the Bourne Library – yet avid readers are raiding the shelves and leaving nothing behind. Pursued by the Empire’s sinister agents, Admiral Sellen, Princess Daly, and Chan Solo have a strategic plan in place and have deployed extra forces – All displays have been restocked with new and inspiring titles. A new reading list has been created May the Fourth Reading List The Empire is safe for now - but there is fear of a second wave.
But unknown to many there is a hidden force within us – the force of reading. Reading brings knowledge and knowledge is power.
May the Fourth Be with You…
VE DAY CELEBRATIONS 2025
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Bourne Library has created a very special exhibition marking the end of the Second World War. The exhibition features replica artifacts illustrating different aspect of life in wartime Britain, including the Home Guard, War at Sea and the RAF at War.
In addition, we have a selection of books on display covering Wartime Britain, the servicemen who fought, the children who were evacuated, and life on the Home Front.
RESEARCHING SKILLS LESSON ON
THE TOPIC OF VE DAY
Middle school students had the opportunity to put their research skills in action by using both primary and secondary sources to create a VE DAY Quiz. Students could choose from several printed resources, artifacts and newspaper clippings found in the museum cases.
D of E Volunteers 2024/25
This year the Bourne library gave two Year 9 students the opportunity to complete the volunteering component of their D of E Bronze award. Having liaised and undertaken training to assist with library tasks both students successfully completed this level. The volunteering task lasted for three months, with the students attending twice a week. By the end of three months, they were both competent in understanding the Dewey system and the fiction shelving system. This has had two significant impacts, firstly, enabling Library staff to focus on more professional tasks, and secondly, both students will now be able to utilise the skills learnt in their further education/ university studies.
WIDER SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT
REMEMBERING MARIO VARGAS LLOSA
A display celebrating the life and works of Latin American author Mario Vargas Llosa was observed at The Bourne Library in the Spring Term. Vargos Llosa will be remembered for his more than 50 works of literature, many of which have been widely translated. In 2010 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature where judges dubbed him a “divinely gifted storyteller”. Vargas Llosa was the first South American writer to be chosen for the literature prize since Gabriel Garcia Márquez took the honour in 1982. He will be remembered for his books, “The Time of the Heroes” (1962), “The Green House” (1966) and “Conversation in the Cathedral – to name but a few. The Headmaster’s assembly highlighted his achievements and many of his books were on display for students to read.
HISTORY: END OF EMPIRE
Students in the Middle School showcased their work on the theme “End of Empire”. Boys were tasked to do their research on a chosen topic and present their findings on a poster. Topics included “The Decolonization of India”, Australia’s Independence and Ireland’s Decolonization. Alongside their posters the librarians displayed books relating to their topic to encourage further reading and research.
VARGAS LLOSA “A divinely gifted storyteller”
“Children and young people who are the most engaged with literacy are three times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing than children who are least engaged”.
(Clark & Teravainen-Goff,2018)
READING FOR MENTAL WELLBEING
In May we celebrated Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Research carried out by the National Literacy Trust in 2023 showed a direct correlation between reading engagement and mental wellbeing. The Bourne Library dedicated a display highlighting the importance of reading and relaxation. Our display featured popular self-help books such as ‘Mind Your Head” by Juno Dawson, “Blame my Brain”, Nicola Morgan and non-fiction books promoting mental health and well-being.
“I often come to the library during lunch time to read. It’s a place where I can just stop and escape into a book”. YR 8 student
New Reading lounge for Journals, Newspapers and Magazines
“Sometimes at break I like to go to the library and just stop thinking about work and do other things that isn’t work related”
Year 9 Student
“The librarians are always really helpful and there is always something on the displays for me to read and every display is themed”
THE WRITERS’ VESTIBULE
The Writers’ Vestibule, located by the main stairwell to The Bourne Library, is a collection of portraits of writers who have significantly shaped the literary world through their works and influence. Some of the most impactful and influential writers include William Shakespeare, whose plays and sonnets are foundational to English Literature and drama. Others include Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, William Wordsworth and Mary Shelley. This collection is growing, and we actively ask students who they would want to see on the wall next. Below are winners of the recent Library writing competition “Long Story Short”, standing alongside these amazing writers, we hope in many years to come they too will leave their mark at The Writers’ Vestibule.
