Library Staff, Opening Hours & Borrowing

Library Staff and Opening Hours

Head Librarian: Ms Melissa Sanchez. 

 Assistant Librarians: Ms Anna-Luisa Crespo and Ms Rizzello.

The senior school library is open Monday to Friday - 8am to 6pm

There is a member of library staff on hand to assist with student enquiries or book requests throughout the day.

Library Resources - search the Library Catalogue here

The senior school library holds over 16000 items in its collection, including fiction books, non-fiction and reference books, manga and graphic novels, journals, newspapers and an eResource collection. The library is open to all academic years during both break and lunchtime, during which students can borrow and return books, carry out academic research or read quietly. The library is also open before and after school to allow students quiet study time, access to PCs to research and print out school work and also the opportunity to request photocopying. We have a dedicated, professional library team who is always available to help students with their research enquiries and book requests. Benedict's Library Borrowing Policy.

Borrowing

Students can borrow the following amount of resources from the senior school library :

  • Form 3 to Upper 5th: Five books for a period of two weeks.
  • Sixth formers: Ten books for a period of two weeks.

Renewing and Returning

  • Students can renew their books twice (borrowing for a maximum of 6 weeks).
  • If a book is not returned on time, students will not be able to borrow another book until it is brought back.
  • Students can return their books in the library 'Returns Box'.

Reservations

  • Students can  reserve library books through the Library Catalogue. 
  • Library staff will retrieve the book from the shelves (or wait for it to be returned, if currently out to another student).  We will then message the student through Teams to let them know the book is ready to be borrowed from the library at the checkout counter.

Overdue Books

  • Students will receive three overdue notices.
  • The first two overdue notices will be emailed to the student's school email account.  Their form tutor will also be notified and the student will be reminded in form time.
  • The third overdue notice will be emailed home to parents, requesting return or payment for the overdue item(s).
  • If the book(s) have not been returned to the library by the deadline, the student's school account will be charged the full price of the non-returned book(s).

Damaged or Lost Items

  • If a student damages or loses a book they will be charged the full amount for the item (taking the most up-to-date price available).

Book Requests

  • If the library does not hold a book titles that you require, please complete the online 'Book Request' form and we will order in the book for you.  
  • Once the book has arrived we will email your school email address to let you know you can come and pick the item up to borrow.