Schools Library Service

The Schools Library Service supports the bi-borough libraries and archives’ purpose of helping people Read, Learn, and Connect. It does this by supporting schools’ library collections and encouraging a culture of reading for pleasure, which improves children’s educational and life prospects.

What does our service offer?

Our service offers support, advice and consultancy. Our professional Schools Library Service librarians offer the following to schools in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and other boroughs.

• Advice service by Schools Library Service lead adviser
• General book audit and library refresh
• Diversity audit of school library and classroom collections
• Collection development of school library and classroom books
• Schools Library Service CPD programme
• Specialist programmes to promote reading and learning for pleasure

Our aim:

• encourage a love of reading in all pupils
• use literature to foster well-being, diversity and inclusion
• develop pupils’ skills and knowledge in the use of written resources.

Further support which is available to schools: 

Local Library Support

• An allocated Children and Young People Librarian
• Children’s Library card sign-up - 20 libraries and Archives available to visit
• Collection of inclusive and diverse children's fiction and non-fiction books and other information resources
• Study spaces, PCs and WIFI access
• Digital resources for children
• Literacy and cultural activities
• School Readiness Support for Under 5s
• After-school activities - Homework clubs/study support

School and Class Support

• Institution library cards for classes to borrow items each term
• School class visits each term (including introduction to libraries, activities linked to curriculum and preparation for school transition)
• School Archives visits and takeover days
• Volunteering and work experience opportunities for children 13 and over and young adults

Reading Programmes

• Annual Summer Reading Challenge programme
• Annual Teacher's Reading Challenge programme

Contact

For further information on what we can offer:

Visit the Bi-borough Services to Schools

Email [email protected]

Telephone 020 7641 4320.