The much-loved Millais Learning Resource Centre (LRC) was re-designed in Spring 2021 to create an inspiring, contemporary and comfortable library and IT workspace for students to use throughout the day and after school.
The LRC is supervised and open to students from 8.05am until 4:30pm from Monday to Thursday.
We have over 7000 books to tempt both passionate and reluctant readers to browse and borrow from our curated fiction and non-fiction sections. These include the latest award-winning children’s, Teen and YA novels and classic titles to suit varied interests, ages and reading abilities, including many super-readable and dyslexia friendly titles, as well as graphic novels and manga. The fiction section is organised by genre, to aid students in finding books that interest them, and librarians are always on hand and happy to give advice to students looking for a good book.
In addition, students also have access to a wide range of eBooks, eAudio books and eMagazines through the SORA app, allowing them to read on a computer, tablet or mobile phone wherever they are. All items, both physical and online, are searchable via the library catalogue webapp, from which students can request, reserve and review books, as well as search for their next read.
The LRC partners regularly with the English department to organise many special themed events that promote excitement and enthusiasm for reading and literature. These include author visits, virtual talks, World Book Day events and competitions, Drop Everything and Read, the Readathon and reading challenges.
The LRC is very popular with all year groups, and many students choose to visit at break times and after school to work with peers and complete homework in a respectful and collaborative environment.
There is no need to book to use the LRC after school from 3.00-4.30pm. Students sign in when they arrive and benefit from staff supervision and use of the IT resources. These include 28 laptops, 8 desktop computers, iPads and printer/photocopier and coding microbits. In addition, students benefit from access to the latest exam study guides to support their learning and revision.
Research shows that developing the habit of reading is a key indicator of future academic success and wellbeing, and the LRC is committed to ensuring all students have access to high-quality reading material to maximise their opportunities and support their mental health and create a ‘buzz’ around books and reading.
The LRC really is the heart of the school, and many students describe it as ‘their favourite place’ at Millais.
