A Space for Everyone

Whether students are looking for a quiet corner to read, a space to tackle homework, or an area to express their creativity, the library has something for everyone. Every day, over 400 students visit for various reasons—whether it’s printing assignments, researching, relaxing with a good book, or simply catching up with friends.

The Muriel Clarke Library is designed to be a safe and inclusive haven for all, offering the resources and support students need to thrive while encouraging a love of learning. It’s not just a library; it’s a calming, creative space where students can feel at ease.

Banned Books Week: Sparking Conversations

Right now, we’re in the midst of Banned Books Week, an exciting event where students are invited to explore why certain books are banned or challenged in various parts of the world. The discussions and displays in the library encourage critical thinking around censorship, biases, and the power of stories that challenge societal norms.

Students are actively exploring questions like: Why are some stories deemed too controversial? What impact does banning a book have on our understanding of the world? It’s a thought-provoking time in the library, and the conversations sparked have been inspiring!

Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives

Next up, as we move into Black History Month, we’re tying our discussions from Banned Books Week into this year’s theme: "Reclaiming Narratives". We’ll be focusing particularly on the stories of black women pioneers, celebrating their achievements and contributions to history, while also examining how their narratives have often been overlooked or misrepresented.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with literature and history in new ways, learning about voices and stories that have historically been marginalised.

Supporting Literacy with Renaissance Learning

Our commitment to literacy remains at the core of what we do in the Muriel Clarke Library. We’re thrilled to continue supporting our Year 7 and Year 8 students through Renaissance Learning, a programme that encourages a love of reading while boosting comprehension skills.

Through Renaissance Learning, students can take quizzes on the books they’ve read, track their progress, and challenge themselves to dive deeper into their reading journeys. And, as always, the class that makes the most of this opportunity will win our coveted Pizza Party in the library! It’s a fun, celebratory event that breaks our usual ‘no eating in the library’ rule, allowing students to relax and enjoy a well-deserved treat after all their hard work.

Looking Ahead

As we move through the year, we’re excited to continue expanding our library’s collection, introducing new stories and perspectives to inspire our students. The Muriel Clarke Library will always be a place where creativity, learning, and community come together, and we look forward to seeing even more students making the most of this invaluable space.

Whether it’s reading, researching, relaxing, or creating, the library is always here to support and inspire our students.

We can’t wait to see what the rest of this term holds, and we’re excited to continue building a vibrant, welcoming space for all!

Warm regards,
The Muriel Clarke Library Team 📚