The Parsons Library

The newly-refurbished Parsons Library occupies an airy space at the heart of the Senior School, featuring study areas and reading zones across two floors, and with a stock of over 15,000 books. The library is used for reading, study and relaxation, whilst collaborative groupwork can be undertaken in our glass-panelled seminar room, which is also used for classes, meetings and clubs. Knowledgeable and friendly assistance is always available from our two qualified librarians.

A range of up-to-date fiction (totalling 6,000 books) caters for every age and taste, with reading guides and displays to tempt the reader.  Fortnightly timetabled reading lessons are enjoyed by all lower school English classes. In addition, there are regular challenges and competitions to incentivise good reading habits, as well as visiting authors, and our annual celebration of World Book Day.  The library also hosts book clubs for discussion, reading games and crafts.

The librarians work with departments to provide resources for particular topics and to help develop independent research skills from an early age.

On the upper mezzanine floor, a pleasant study area is dedicated to GCSE and Sixth Form students, who often choose to spend their free periods there in private study.

Support regarding research and bibliography is offered to all students and is particularly utilised by our EPQ candidates.

As well as our print collection of books and journals, a variety of digital resources are provided through the library, enabling access to ebooks, audiobooks and academic databases such as JSTOR, Massolit and The Day news for schools.

The online library webpage features news and reading guides, as well as a comprehensive catalogue of library resources.

In this and many ways, the library helps to prepare our young people for academic studies and for life beyond school.