THE MODERN LIBRARY
The Shakespeare Memorial Library, alongside the Learning Resources Centre, serves as a vital resource in supporting and enriching our students’ academic journey.
THE MODERN LIBRARYAt Moonstone Academy, the library is an integral part of our mission to deliver an exceptional, well-rounded education. It also provides a serene escape from the fast-paced school environment, offering students a quiet space for reading and focused study. The academy is proud to have two specialized libraries: the Shakespeare Memorial Library and the Learning Resources Centre (LRC), both of which are expertly equipped to support students’ academic pursuits while fostering their individual interests and passions.
The Shakespeare Memorial Library is available to all students and features a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, and multimedia resources. On the other hand, the LRC is dedicated to Sixth Form students, offering an extensive collection of textbooks, reference materials, and a peaceful environment tailored specifically for A Level study.
The Shakespeare Memorial Library
The Learning Resource Centre
The Moonstone Academy library operates with the following schedule:
Monday – Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
The library is managed by Mr. Santiago (Librarian), Miss Scarlet (Library Assistant), and a wonderful team of Sixth Form volunteers who assist in its daily operations.
Our library is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for reading throughout the academy. We aim to inspire a love of books, encouraging students to continually explore new subjects and ideas. In partnership with various academic departments, we ensure the library’s collection complements the curriculum while also offering extended reading options for Sixth Form students.
Reading is at the core of our educational philosophy. To support this, we collaborate closely with parents, educators, local libraries, booksellers, and authors, all to cultivate a lifelong enthusiasm for reading and to encourage students to seek out new perspectives. We are committed to making the library a space that is open and welcoming to all learners, including those who are neurodiverse. The library’s environment and resources are thoughtfully curated to meet diverse needs, and we prioritize student well-being by offering books that support mental health and personal growth, helping students navigate life’s challenges.
At Moonstone Academy, our library plays a vital role as a dynamic community space, where we highlight important occasions, unique events, themed weeks, exhibitions, and creative contests. Some of our recent displays have focused on significant events like National Poetry Day, Black History Month, Holocaust Memorial Day, World Book Day, International Women’s Day, and Mental Health Awareness Week. We have also welcomed a variety of authors, including Malorie Blackman, Cathy Cassidy, Nicola Davies, Sophie Johnson, Bryan Talbot (notable graphic novelists), Seamus Heaney, and Imtiaz Ahmad each sharing their expertise and passion for literature.
Our library offers engaging book clubs for students of different age groups, such as a Year 7 club, where students select the books we read together, and the Year 8 Carnegie Shadowing Group, where we explore a curated list of potential award-winning books. We’re also excited to introduce a parent reading club, which will encourage parents to read alongside their children, helping them discover new young adult fiction and providing valuable tools to discuss books and foster a love for reading at home. Additionally, the Moonstone Academy Library participates in the Book Trust’s Bookhut program, designed to encourage reading among children aged 11 to 13. Each student selects a book from a selection of 17 titles, which they can keep, fostering a habit of reading both in school and beyond.
This past year, Moonstone Academy has been fortunate to have a subsidized subscription to the prestigious London Library, a renowned members-only institution. This gives our staff and Sixth Form students access to a vast array of academic resources and a wealth of information that supports their studies and intellectual pursuits.
In our library, we also host a variety of regular competitions. One of our recent contests, where students designed a Manga Poster, resulted in a winning entry that now marks our newly expanded collection of manga and graphic novels. This addition has been a significant part of our library’s growth, offering students an even wider range of reading options.
The library features the War Memorial room, which houses commemorative books displaying the names of Moonstonians who served in World War II. The building itself is a sight to behold, with its refreshed lighting, newly renovated furnishings, and expertly polished woodwork, all of which contribute to a serene and inviting environment. This transformed space offers a perfect setting for both focused study and peaceful reflection.
“At Moonstone Academy, we are dedicated to providing exceptional support to ensure our students have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential, both academically and in the broader community.”