Library

The Library

The Clere Library is a welcoming place for all students. It is open from 8.40am to 2.50pm every school day. It is an inviting place where students come to choose and return books, read, study and relax during break and lunchtimes, to meet with friends or catch up on revision.

Each Autumn, all Lower School students have a library induction session with their English teachers, to familiarise them with the Eclipse Library System, how to find fiction and non-fiction books, resources for studies and some introductory skills to help them as they become digital citizens and researchers.

We have over 3000 fiction and non-fiction books on all sorts of subjects. These include novels, graphic novels, Manga, picture books and dyslexia-friendly books. Books are loaned for two weeks, which can be easily renewed via the Eclipse system, either by the Librarian (Mrs Thomas) or Library Prefect. The Librarian is always interested in which books you would recommend and refreshes the stock every term, so please do not hesitate to talk to Mrs Thomas.

Reading for pleasure is what we want to encourage the most. The Clere supports this by fostering a whole school reading culture. A reading book is part of your essential kit and students are expected to have one in their bag at all times. This may be a book from home or one from the library. If you have any spare time during the school day, students can make the best use of that time by reading their book.

In Years 7, 8 and 9, we also have a library lesson once a fortnight as part of the English curriculum. During this time, you read books of your own choice and your teacher will read your half-termly class reader to the class. Students are encouraged to borrow and return books at the end of the lesson.

SORA

All members of the Clere Community have access to SORA, a reading app which enables all of us to have access to books on any electronic device wherever we are. All you have to do is get on to a computer, mobile phone, tablet, etc, go to the link below, type in The Clere School and sign in using the username and password that you use to log in to a computer at school. Then you will see many, many great books to choose from to look at, read and listen to.

Why not try out all the different font styles and colours and page background colours? There is also a dyslexia-friendly way to see the pages. And you can bookmark where you got to and all kinds of other fun things.

If the book has an icon of headphones underneath, then this is also an audiobook and you can listen to it wherever you are!

Library Computers

There are computers in the library for you to use SORA and also for research, homework and educational games.

Library Prefects

We have library prefects in all year groups. These students have shown a love of reading and a keen interest in the library. They have all been trained in how the library works. They are here to help the library and the school community. If you love books and would like to join our team of prefects please let Mrs Thomas know.

Reading Events

We have events throughout the year. Do feel free to join in!

We participate in Readathon, often in the Autumn term. This is a sponsored read for two weeks to raise money to buy books and provide storytellers for children who have to stay in hospital for a long time.

From March to June, Year 8s take part in The Hampshire Book Awards. We read the six best books published in the previous academic year (as chosen by Hampshire School Library Service) and take part in a fun event with other Hampshire schools which includes voting for our favourite.

Year 9s read the Carnegie Medal shortlist and vote for the book they think is the best.

Students in Years 10 and 11 can be a Teen Book Reviewer. Books are provided by The Hampshire Library Service for you to read and then review on their website.

Each year, we have the Scholastic Book Fair. There is a wide variety of books to buy, many at greatly discounted prices.

Hampshire County Library

We ask that all students have a Hampshire County Library Card so they can access the great resources of the public library, as well as their amazing e-resources such as the E-Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Links for the Library

Here are links for you to access the Library resources:

Eclipse
Scholastic Book Club
SORA - Audiobooks