Library

At Bristol Cathedral Choir School, we encourage all of our students to read for pleasure and make use of our library materials. The book stock (fiction and non-fiction) is chosen by qualified, professional librarians who seek to purchase books that reflect the interests and needs of the student population. 

The library is located at the top of the Parsonage building and is open to everyone in the school community. KS3 pupils have a library lesson every other week with their English teacher; this time is used to explore the books in the library and focus on reading a book of their choice. Librarians lead these sessions and introduce classes to new texts and genres.

A 'Click & collect ' service is also available to students and staff in all year groups. Users may reserve items through the online library catalogue, and the materials will be delivered to their tutor room by library staff.

During times when Covid-19 restrictions are not in place, students are welcome in the library before and after school, during break, and lunchtimes to study and use the resources. The library is a safe and secure environment for students to use.

Follow @BCCSLibrary on Twitter and Instagram for updates on new books, recommended reads, events, and more.

Opening Hours

During school terms:

Monday to Thursday          8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday                                    8:30am - 3:30pm  


Closed during school holidays.

Borrowing

We ask all parents/carers to sign our library membership form in order for their child to use the library resources.

Students are able to borrow up to four books at a time for up to two weeks. In addition to four physical books, students can also check out books from our eBook platform. Each student and staff member has an account on the online library catalogue, which can be accessed with their school email address and password. This account can be used to browse and request library materials, renew items, check due dates, and write reviews.

Students do not receive fines for overdue materials, but are asked to pay for or replace lost items. Payment for lost or damaged materials is used to replace the item.

Resources

  • Computers
  • Printer/copier
  • Fiction
  • Non-fiction
  • Magazines
  • Graphic novels & manga

The library collection currently consists of approximately 5,200 books and resources. We welcome suggestions from students. Students and staff also have access to an eBook platform with several thousand digital books and audiobooks ready to download at school, at home or on the move.

The library also runs a stationery shop selling pens, pencils, rulers, and vital maths equipment. Products are available on www.parentpay.com.

Events & Programs

 

  • Book clubs
  • Book breakfasts
  • Half price book fairs
  • Central Library membership and visit

  • World Book Day - annual celebrations have included book-themed quizzes, costume contests, 'secret Santa' book swaps, and more.

  • Bookbuzz scheme - pupil premium students have the opportunity to choose their own books to take home and keep from a list of 17 titles, all carefully selected by a panel of experts to ensure quality, suitability and to encourage reading for pleasure.



  • Author visits - previous guests include Jessica Townsend, Sarah Govett, Nick Arnold, Nikesh Shukla, Muhammad Khan and many more.
    >
  • Pupil Librarians - keen, reliable students who participate in this program help with the smooth running of the library in a variety of ways: re-shelving books, issuing and returning books via our computer system, writing book reviews, and creating displays.

  • Bristol Teen Book Award - an annual awards program voted on by Bristol teenagers. Every year panellists choose titles to celebrate diversity. Students across Bristol attend the awards event and meet the shortlisted authors, participate in workshops, and get excited about reading.