Libraries

 

Reading is important at BSB. In fact, it’s so important we have four separate libraries, ensuring all ages of Primary and Secondary students have adequate space to read, study, and develop. Each library is tailored to their unique needs.

Primary School

Both Primary School Libraries are well equipped with a range of fiction and non-fiction books including dual-language books to encourage multi-lingual literacy skills. Students are encouraged to borrow books regularly.

The Tintin Library is a bright, spacious area within the Tintin building that boasts more than 6,000 books in multiple languages aimed at stimulating and encouraging younger children.

The Rubens Library, available to students throughout the day, features more than 15,000 books, computer facilities, dedicated study areas, and comfortable reading areas with couches and sofas. Students are never too young to discover the pleasures of putting their feet up with a good book!

Books are colour-coded to cater for a wide range of abilities. This ensures the systematic development of reading skills. Guided reading texts are organised in a similar way. We provide as many opportunities as possible for students to read during the school day. Supervised reading opportunities, combined with the opportunity for independent study, form an integral part of our programme. Students are always fully supported and actively encouraged to ask questions, or ask for help.

Secondary School

Our dedicated Secondary School Library opens at 8:30 every morning and closes at 18:00. During that time, students are invited to browse our collection of more than 16,000 fiction and non-fiction books, read the day’s newspapers and latest educational magazines, find a quiet place to study, or work on one of the many computers.

The Library takes part in the Carnegie Medal shadowing scheme, encouraging students to read and develop their skills as reviewers and critics. Parents are encouraged to join the library too, enabling them to access our facilities for both their children and themselves.

Years 12 and 13 benefit from the use of their own library. Located in the Post-16 Suite at the top of the Mercator Building, this library caters to the needs of students taking A Level and IB Diploma courses, as well as providing additional careers and further education support.

Carnegie Medal Club

For Secondary School students in Years 7 to 9. The Carnegie Medal is probably the most prestigious prize awarded to children's authors writing for students of 10 years and above. Each year a panel of librarians in the UK issues a ‘long list' of titles nominated by librarians working with children. The long list then becomes a short list from which the winner is chosen near the end of the summer term.

Schools are invited to ‘shadow’ the award by choosing their own panel of students who will read all or as many of the short list as possible. For several years now, The British School of Brussels has been taking part in this shadowing. It is run jointly by the Librarian and the English Department. In the summer term students to discuss the books they have read and post a review on the easy to navigate website www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk. The students' reviews are then live on the site for the rest of the world to read. Although the students are asked to grade the short listed books, the winner is chosen by the panel of librarians.