Hamstead Hall Academy Library is one of the most successful school libraries in the West Midlands. With over 10,000 resources and an annual borrowing rate of over 63%, we pride ourselves on converting those pupils who claim that reading is not for them. We add around 700 new resources every year and we lend out approximately 3500 books annually. Every year we give a free book to every year 7 pupil to keep forever through our Bookbuzz program. We raise money for charity through our huge World Book Day events and we run hugely succesful Scholastic Book Fairs twice a year! We also have games running every day including chess, draughts and scrabble. Every Tuesday lunch we run Warhammer, A huge tabletop strategy game. The library is the place to be, be it before school, after school, break time or lunch time. We are hugely excited to welcome back pupils to Hamstead Hall Academy Library!
At the library we hear the same questions asked a lot, so we’ve compiled all the most frequently asked ones here. If you can’t find what you’re looking for then don’t hesitate to ask the library team.​
How do I use the library?
The library is a place where you can browse fiction books, non-fiction books, CDs and DVDs. You can read the resource in the library or you can book it out using a library card and take it home. To book out a resource simply bring it to the help desk and speak to a member of the library team.
What are the Rules of the Library?
Quiet and sensible behaviour
No eating or drinking
Coats and bags must be placed in the designated area. Please remove money/expensive items
Ask permission before printing
Keep resources safe and return them on time and in the same condition
Anything lost or damaged by a student must be paid for
Do not borrow a resource for anyone else as you will be held responsible if it is lost, stolen or damaged.
How can I find this book?
It depends. Fictional books are arranged in order of the authors second name. For example if you wanted to read an Alex Rider book, you would have to remember that it was written by Anthony Horowitz and then look under H.
Graphic Novels are slightly different and are arranged in various sections like DC/Marvel, Original stories, adaptions and manga.
Non Fiction books are arranged using the Dewey System. This gives each book a number depending on it’s subject. These subjects include:
000 – Generalities
100 – Philosophy
200 – Religion
300 – Social Sciences
400 – Language
500 – Science and Math
600 – Technology
700 – Arts and Leisure
800 – Literature
900 – Geography and History
If you ever have any problems looking for a specific subject don’t hesitate to talk to a member of the library team. They have access to a database which can look up specific subjects.
Where do I put this book back?
See Above. If you are absolutely sure you understand how the library system works then put your book back, if you don’t you should leave the book on the trolley to the left of the helpdesk.
Can I use the computers?
Yes, as long as Warhammer Club is not taking place. There is a booking sheet on the library desk allowing you to book a 15 minute time slot during lunch.
How many resources can I take out at one time and how long can I keep them?
2 fiction and 2 non-fiction books for a 3 week loan
1 DVD, CD or CD-ROM for a 3 day loan
Can I borrow some equipment?
Equipment is lent out on a strict basis. You can borrow pens, pencils, holepunchers, scissors and paper. As long as it is for homework/coursework. Resources must not leave the library under any circumstances.
Can I print off my homework?
Always ask permission first, if there is a lot of pages you may need to get paper from the department for which the homework has been set.
5 pages is the maximum, but you can ask the librarian to double-side your work.
How can I get help with my homework?
The library runs a Homework Club between 8.00am and 8.30am every day. If you are having difficulty with a particular piece of work, need a little help or just need a quiet place to concentrate then this half hour slot is ideal. We won’t do your homework for you, but we’ll help you do the best you can.
What happens if I don’t look after the book?
If you don’t look after the book and you return it damaged, then you will be charged the full price of the book.
If you fail to return a book after having recieved several late notices then you may be restricted from school trips or your prom.
Some handy tips to look after your library books include:
Keep food and drink away from your book to avoid stains and spillages
Store books carefully in your bag on the way to and from school – this stops them getting wet or dirty
Always use a bookmark to save your page, instead of folding back pages or the spine of the book
Do you know any useful revision links?
Yes! The exam board websites are often useful and give free access to mark schemes, past exam papers and examiner’s reports. Make sure to check which board is marking your exam before delving in.
The library team are an enthusiastic bunch. Always eager to please, don’t hesitate to talk to them about any books you’re after or any recommendations as to what to read next. You can click the librarians below to view their entries on the library blog. If you want to become a student librarian yourself then talk to Mr Cochrane or Ms Clair.
Student Librarians
Hannah
Atara
Mahnoor
Aanya
Herrick
Arjun
Aman
Marissa
Veteran Members
Hariya
Haseeb
Ishmail
Ikrah
Daanish
Esther
Libby
Sukhmanpreet
Karan
Joseph
Wari
Duaine
Harjas
Maddie
Your Suggestions
If you have a suggestion or recommendation for something you think we should be doing in the library then write us a comment at the bottom of this page. Alternatively you can write one on paper and then pop it into the suggestion box at the library desk. We will reply to every comment.
Below are some suggestions we’ve answered recently.
Suggestion/Question
Response
I have noticed that you don’t have many football books.
We have about fifty books on football in the non-fiction section. Dewey code 796. If you’re after a fiction book about football, why not check out Secret FC by Tom Palmer or Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend by Francesca Simon
Can we please the Harry Potter DVDs as well as the Divergent series?
We have Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on DVD. We’ll look into getting the other DVDs in the future. In the meantime all the books of both series are available to borrow.
Could you get some more books on World War 2?
We have some excellent resources on World War II, check out Peter Hepplewhite’s books. He covers world war II in the air, or the sea and on land. Dewey reference 940.544 Having said this we will do a review of the resources on the topic. Let us know if there is anything specific about the war that you think needs covering.
I have noticed that lunch times are very short
Apologies for the short lunch times. The library can get very chaotic and we have to get everyone out early in order to collect up resources and make sure you all get to your lessons on time.
I would like you to get username Evie by Joe Sugg and Girl Online by Zoe Sugg
We’ve now got both books and the sequel Girl Online on Tour.
You do not have my favourite book called Women in White
-Raisa
A fantastic book and an excellent suggestion. We’ve now bought the book, you’ll find it in the classics section.
There is not enough Harry Potter books. i.e. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. -Sana
We do own all the Harry Potter books, The chamber of Secrets is now back on the shelves if you fancied reading it. We know they’re popular, but we usually avoid getting in spares so we can buy other new books instead.
I have noticed that you don’t have many revision guides. I want more.
We’ve spent an absolutely huge amount of money bringing the revision guides up to date this year. You will find nearly every subject accounted for if you’re taking a GCSE, A-level or BTEC. We are also looking into buying some KS3 revision guides. If you can’t find your subject represented then please talk to the librarian.
I have noticed that on the TV you don’t have a map of the library.
An excellent idea. We’ve got a rudimentary map in the library guide, but I’ll design a new one and make it available.
We should have study sessions during school.
Teachers are able to bring students to the library for study sessions during class. This is more up to them, the library doesn’t control teacher’s lesson plans.
I have noticed that the Goosebumps series is not here.
We now have a brand-new copy of the Goosebumps horror land series. We can’t stock all the Goosebumps books because he’s written almost 200!
I cannot talk in the library and it helps me work. Please help!
-Anonymous
It might help you work (debatable) but your talking certainly doesn’t help the people around you work. You have to remain considerate of others when you use the library.
The library is awesome!!! It’s soooo great.
-Libby
Thanks Libby!
I have noticed that a Series of Unfortunate Events is not complete and it would be of great admiration if the novels could be available.
-Ketsa
Hi Ketsa
It is complete! Not only do we have all the books, we also have all the audiobooks and the film. If a series appears incomplete, just ask the library team, most likely one of the books was on loan when you checked.
P.S. You should check out the new Netflix adaptation if you have access.
There are no Unicorns in the library. This strongly displeases me…
-Ginge
Hi Ginge
Check out The secret history of Unicorns (Dewey ref: 398.469) and The Unicorn Princess by Babette Cole.
Hamstead Hall Academy
