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Monday- Thursday 8.30-4.30

Friday- 8.30-4.00

Break and lunchtime guidelines- choose which session suites you best:

Monday- Wednesday- Friday- Classic mode- where silence is expected- the ideal time for independent study, reading and research.

Tuesday- Thursday- Modern Mode- a more informal chatting and collaborative workspace.

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You may borrow two books at a time (this doesn't include any textbooks)

Books are loaned out for a two-week period (books will never be due back on a day the library is closed)

If you need longer then please just ask to renew your book for an additional two weeks

PLEASE remember to return or renew your library books on time!

Reminders will be sent to form tutors if your book is overdue

you may also receive an email reminder

For books that are not returned- letters are sent home to parents requesting a replacement charge be paid

Accidents do happen- so if you have damaged or mislaid your book- don't avoid it- come and talk to me in the library

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Welcome to your Library- the place with a book for everyone

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Welcome to your Library- the place with a book for everyone

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Our library is an inclusive space where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and represented in our book collections.

To identify which books you will enjoy and that are best suited to you, follow these simple steps:

LOOK at one of the dedicated year-group reading lists available at the library counter

DO judge the book by its cover- it is the first important part of your selection process

BUT don't forget to read the blurb on the back- for even more information

TAKE a look on the spines of the books for guidance with authors, age suitability and category

READ the first few pages before fully committing to borrowing

ASK your friends, family, teachers, Mrs Gibson or one of the Library Captains for a book recommendation

SHARE what you have enjoyed- spread the word!

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Our Monday Library Captains team have been curating a display to support Black History Month.  This year’s theme is Standing Firm in Power and Pride; highlighting the contributions made by black people who have shaped global history and continue to pioneer and campaign for unity and growth.

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Reading can help you in many different ways:

It's relaxing and a scientifically proven stress buster.

Our vocabulary improves the more we read.

Emotional intelligence and empathy grow (especially if we read from a wide range of genres)

Develops cultural understanding

Enhances critical thinking.

Increased focus, concentration and memory.

An activity that can be done together or alone.

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Reading Passports are designed to enhance your independent reading for pleasure. They help you to explore new genres, discover new authors and make and receive book recommendations. Mrs Gibson is always on hand in the library to guide you in your next book choice, recommend an author and help you to expand your reading experiences.

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"When in doubt, go to the library"

Hermione Granger. (1979. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry)

"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve and contribute to improving our quality of life."

Sidney Sheldon (1917-2007. American writer and producer)

"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library."

Albert Einstein (1879-1955. Theoretical physicist)

"Libraries were full of ideas – perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons."

Sarah J. Maas
(b. 1986. American fantasy author) in her novel Throne of Glass.

"You want weapons? We’re in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room’s the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself!"

Russell T. Davies (b. 1963. Welsh screenwriter and television producer) in science fiction series Doctor Who.

"Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation."

Walter Cronkite (1916-2009. American broadcast journalist, in American Library Association "Libraries Change Lives" Campaign, 1995)

"Librarians are tour-guides for all of knowledge."

Patrick Ness (b. 1971. British-American author, journalist, lecturer, and screenwriter)

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

Dr. Seuss (1904-1991. American children's author, illustrator, animator, and cartoonist.

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Famous writers from our region

Tracy Borman is a historian and author from Scothern, Lincolnshire. She is currently Chancellor and Professor of Tudor History at Lincoln Bishop University (formerly Bishop Grosseteste) She is a best-selling author, historian, broadcaster, and the Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces.

Hilary McKay is an award-winning children's' author born in Boston, Lincolnshire. Best known for the Binny series, McKay says of herself as a child "I anaesthetised myself against the big bad world with large doses of literature. The local library was as familiar to me as my own home."

Alfred, Lord Tennyson was born in Somersby, Lincolnshire in 1809. He was Poet Laureate during much of Queen Victoria's reign.

Jennifer Saunders was born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Her mum was a biology teacher, and her father served as a pilot in the RAF. Jennifer is one of Britain's greatest comedy writers and performers, as well as an author of several books.

Benjamin Zephaniah was a writer, dub poet, actor, musician and professor of poetry and creative writing. Although born in Birmingham he settled in Lincolnshire. On the publication of his young adult novel Windrush Child in 2020, Zephaniah was outspoken about the importance of the way history is represented in the curriculum of schools.

Helen Cresswell was a television scriptwriter and author of more than 100 children's books, best known for comedy and supernatural fiction. Moondial remains one of her most enduring books- set at Belton House in Lincolnshire.

Morris Gleitzman is a world-famous children's author and Rooted in Reading patron, best known for the Once series. He was born in Sleaford.

Colin Dexter was a crime writer known for his Inspector Morse series of novels, which were written between 1975 and 1999 and adapted as an ITV television series. He was born in Stamford.

Robert Webb is a Lincolnshire born comedian, actor and writer. He rose to prominence alongside David Mitchell as part of the comedy duo Mitchell and Webb.

Sir Isaac Newton was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, author, and inventor. He was a key figure in the Scientific Revolution. You can visit his birthplace at Woolsthorpe Manor just outside Grantham.

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From the School Library Association- an interesting article to click and read

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School libraries matter because...

An effective school library has been proven to have a positive, long-term impact for children.

You can read more about the research on school libraries here, and there's also a wealth of information about the impact of reading for pleasure. A school library helps a school achieve their aims in the following areas:

Learning: Reading for Pleasure, Reading Progress, Research skills

Wellbeing

Independent learning

Lifelong skills

Media and information literacy

Personal and social development

The impact of great school libraries can also been seen through our Awards, and the strengths and struggles of school libraries was laid bare during the pandemic. Read our Patron's Appeal Report here.

"For years we have been looking for interventions to boost attainment to help close the gap between disadvantaged and SEN children and their peers. The library was the only intervention they needed."

Headteacher at Woodchurch Church of England Primary School (Woodchurch Estate, The Wirral) from the BookTrust's Life Changing Libraries Report, June 2022

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An effective school library has been proven to have a positive, long-term impact for children. You can read more about the research on school libraries here, and there's also a wealth of information about the impact of reading for pleasure.

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Libraries for every primary school in England by 2029

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Libraries for every primary school in England by 2029

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The BBC's Newsround has the latest on primary school libraries

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Libraries for every primary school in England, says government

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The government has promised to make sure every primary school in England will have a library by 2029. Does your school have a library? Let us know what you think…

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Who is your Children's Laurette and what do they do?

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Who is your Children's Laurette and what do they do?

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Click to read all about the amazing work done by the Children's Laureate. This unique and prestigious role is currently occupied by children's author and screenwriter (think- Paddington films!) Frank Cottrell-Boyce

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The Waterstones Children’s Laureate is the foremost representative of children’s literature, awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in…

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Send us your book reviews and recommendations

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Send us your book reviews and recommendations

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Sharing your recommendations is a powerful way to contribute to the culture of reading we have in our school. If you have read something that you enjoyed- tell someone else, write a review and keep the book chat buzzing.

EMAIL OR WRITE YOUR BOOK REVIEWS AND SEND OR HAND IN TO MRS GIBSON IN THE LIBRARY

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The school library has a dedicated section of books that help you to be you- the best version of yourself. Books that contain information about both physical and mental wellbeing. Books that inform, inspire and support growing up in the 21st century.

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This annual celebration of Non-Fiction (factual books) focuses on reading for information, expanding knowledge, and exploring individual interests.

Reading for pleasure and reading non-fiction do go in hand in hand. Ask your subject teachers which non-fiction books they would recommend you read that supports their subject.

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Mrs Gibson's top tips for a successful daily reading habit

1. Remove all distractions- especially mobile devices, quiet and calm concentration is what you are aiming for here.

2. Get comfy- make sure you are sitting or lying comfortably, cozy cushions and blankets can help. Hot chocolate and snugly pets are an optional extra.

3. Make the time- dedicating at least 30 continuous minutes each day to your reading can really help to build a robust habit. Before you go to sleep is ideal, but there are many opportunities within your day.

4. Get the light right- make sure you can see what you are reading. Low light is best, as long as it provides sufficient directed illumination.

5. Read at your own pace- don't rush. everybody reads at different speeds, but you do what is best for you.

6. Choosing the right book is important. Read what you love but also explore different genres and authors. Libraries are fantastic places to explore and borrow books without having to buy them, and librarians can provide so much advice about books- don't be afraid to ask!

7. Recognize your reading rut. We all have one- where we get stuck reading the same books all the time. Step out of your comfort zone

8. Ebooks and Audio books. Consider trying a book in a different format.

Got a long car journey? - listen to an audio book.

Going abroad? use an eBook App such as our own Wheeler App (remember to turn off all other distracting notifications though)

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The library has a dyslexia friendly section. Books that are designed with dyslexia friendly fonts and coloured pages. Ask Mrs Gibson to signpost you to this amazing bookshelf.

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Read on the go, customise your reading experience, and discover new titles.

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If you would like to read an eBook, then we have a free and secure eBook library that all students may access. (This App is not available to the public)

Steps to follow:

Scan the QR code or-

Download the free Wheelers Platform from your App store

Search for your school by typing- Kesteven and Sleaford High School

Enter your username and password (Usernames and passwords can be requested from Mrs Gibson)

Start browsing, borrowing and reading.

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Look around the school for these posters telling you which books the teaching and support staff are currently reading

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Libraries come in all shapes and sizes- click to read this BBC Bitesize article about fantastic libraries from around the globe.

Do you have a library in your home or local community? because even a bookshelf in a bedroom can legitimately be called a personal library. Or maybe you have a red telephone box in your street that has been turned into a community book-swap space. Have you ever used a mobile library, visited a toy library or explored a big city library? Libraries are everywhere.

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From the Library of Congress to Oxford's Bodleian Library, the British Library to the Vatican Library, there is no shortage of famous beautiful libraries around the world.
Others may not be as well known, but they're still a sight to behold. Any book lover would dream to spend a few hours perusing their bookshelves, soaking in their history.

Grab your library card and join BBC Bitesize as we take a trip around the globe and wander between the book stacks.

George Peabody Library, Baltimore, USA

With its striking black and white marble floor, ornamental cast-iron balconies and huge skylight, it's no surprise that the George Peabody Library has been called a 'Cathedral of Books'.

Named after the man who funded it, American philanthropist George Peabody, the library formed part of a wider cultural centre called the Peabody Institute, which was one of the first music conservatoriesMusic conservatories ​​An educational institution which specialises in music training and research. in the US. It opened in 1878 and since 1982 has been connected to the John Hopkins University, but remains open to the public.

The library's 300,000 volumes generally date from the 19th Century, but cover a wide variety of topics, including religion, science, history and geography.

You might recognise the large atrium from the rom-com Sleepless in Seattle. When Annie (Meg Ryan's character) visits her brother at his office, she stops outside of, and walks through, the George Peabody Library.

John Rylands Library, Manchester, UK

Walking through the John Rylands Library, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it was actually a cathedral, thanks to its neo-Gothic architecture, including vaulted ceilings, alcoves and stained glass windows. The architect was Basil Champneys, who also designed numerous libraries at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.

While the John Rylands Library is named after a wealthy Manchester merchant, it was actually founded after his death (1888) by his Cuban-born wife, Enriqueta Rylands. She was the major beneficiary of an estate worth £2,574,922 (£280,345,298 today) so had the money to buy large collections of books and manuscripts from aristocratic families.

The inauguration ceremony took place on 6 October 1899, Enriqueta and John's wedding anniversary. On the same day, Enriqueta became the first woman to be awarded the honorary Freedom of the City of Manchester.

Take a closer look at the stonework and stained glass and you'll notice the use of the Lancashire red rose (the county where John was born) and the coat of arms of St Helens (his hometown).

Al-Qarawiyyin Library, Fez, Morocco

Another library founded by a woman is the al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morocco. It's part of the University of al-Qarawiyyin, which was originally founded as a mosque in 859, by Fatima al-Fihri, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Little is known about Fatima's early years, only that she was born in Qayrawan, Tunisia, after which the mosque was named.

One of the oldest libraries in continuous use, it was closed off to the public for hundreds of years, open only to scholars. However, following decades of rainwater infiltrating the building, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library underwent renovations and was officially re-opened with public access in 2017. To prevent further water damage and improve drainage, architect Aziza Chaouni included an underground canal system as part of her design.

Other additions included a lab for treating, preserving and digitising texts and a secure, temperature and humidity controlled room. Historically, the most valuable works were located in the manuscript room, kept safe by a door which had four locks and required four different keys owned by separate people to open.

Waldsassen Abbey Library, Bavaria, Germany

Religious learning was also the driving force behind the creation of a library at Bavaria's Waldsassen Abbey.

The abbey itself was founded in 1133 by members of the male Cistercian order but was sold in 1803 and became a cotton factory.

In 1863 it was bought back by Cistercian nuns, who opened both a nunnery and girls' school on the site.

The library was built during the 1720s and is notable for its intricate wood carvings.

The upper level of the library is supported by a series of columns, carved into the shapes of human figures who appear to be straining to hold up the balcony on their shoulders. These figures are said to represent vices such as vanity and ignorance.

Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is home to the largest collection of Portuguese language books outside of Portugal, found inside the aptly named Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading. Brazil declared its independence from Portugal in 1822, but Portuguese remains its official language. Several years after independence, a group of 43 Portuguese immigrants decided to create a literary hub for their community.

When work on the library began in 1880, it marked three hundred years since the death of the great Portuguese poet Luís de Camões. The library is located on a street named after him. The exterior of the building was inspired by the 16th Century Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal, where the poet's tomb can be found. A first edition of his most famous work, the epic poem Os Lusíadas (The Lusiads), is one of the library's greatest treasures.

The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading significance to Portuguese culture was recognised by Portugal's decision to award it legal deposit status, ensuring that the Brazilian library receives a copy of every published piece of Portuguese literature. This is about 6,000 new books every year.

Tianjin Binhai Library, Tianjin, China

Opened in 2017, the sweeping curves of the Tianjin Binhai Library flow around a central glowing spherical auditorium. Take a step back and it looks a bit like an eyeball nestled in an eye socket, so it's been nicknamed 'The Eye'.

The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves have space for 1.2 million books, with the walkways along the lower levels doubling as seating areas. However, the library currently only holds around 200,000 books. Due to time constraints, the plan to make the upper rows of bookshelves accessible through rooms behind the rows was axed. To disguise the lack of books up there, aluminium plates representing books were installed instead.

In addition to all the books, or pictures of, there are meeting and reading rooms, computer areas and lounge spaces.
This article was published in September 2024

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Six stunning libraries that you have to see to believe - BBC Bitesize

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From life-like wooden carvings to rom-com film settings, join BBC Bitesize as we explore six magnificent libraries from around the world.

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The role of a librarian is often misunderstood- here are just some of the skills a librarian has:

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What do librarians actually do- Just tell people to shhhhhh and read books all day?????

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What do librarians actually do- Just tell people to shhhhhh and read books all day?????

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Tech & digital literacy expert - Information Detective-

Advertising & marketing- Community Builders-Library Advocacy-Mental Health First Aiders-Circulation and Classification-Book Buyers-Social Media Contributors-Book and Resource Maintenance -Creative Displays-

Collaborators-Curator of Collections-Organiser of Events-

Train Library Volunteers-Literacy Support Helper-Recommend Books-Create Reading Lists-Information Management-Customer Service Skills-Safeguarding-Data Analysis- Policy and Governance-Training and Conferences

Book reader and shusher !

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There is so much to explore in the library, and reading from a range of genres is the best way to expand your personal reading journey.

Here is a list of genres to consider for your next read

Fantasy: stories that wouldn't happen in real life, often set in another world or including magical elements.

Historical fiction: Fiction that takes place in the past.

Romance: Often optimistic and emotionally satisfying stories that focus on a central love story.

Thriller: Stories that gradually build anxiety and suspense.

Romantasy: This is a fusion of romance and fantasy genres.

Dystopian: Imaginary societies that have undergone decline or are seemingly ideal but are actually oppressive.

Science fiction or sci-fi: Speculative fiction that uses science and technology as central elements to explore themes and create settings.

Classic fiction: A description rather than genre that applies to literary works of high quality, cultural importance, and enduring value that have stood the test of time.

Graphic novel: A story told through sequential art, combining elements of comic books and literature.

Crime: Stories about criminals and criminal activities, with themes of law enforcement, investigation, and the pursuit of justice.

Biography: A factual, third-person, full-life account written by someone other than the subject

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Latest News- National Year of Reading launches

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Latest News- National Year of Reading launches

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2026 has been officially declared the National Year of Reading. Schools, libraries, authors, and even the Government are all involved in getting more young people reading. There has been a steep decline in reading over the last few years, no coincidence that the digital and mobile phone age that we live in has contributed to this, so GO ALL IN is the message this year- Reading is good for you, in all sorts of ways, and what better time to have a digital detox and curl up with a good book

Keep a look out for the Reading Festival taking place in March here at KSHS when we will be holding a range of events, competitions and activities to get you involved with books and reading.

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National Year of Reading 2026 | Go All In

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Bring reading closer to culture in 2026. Discover ideas, events and ways to take part at home, school, work and in your community.