National Libraries Week begins today, and at The Radclyffe School we are proud to celebrate the people and the place that bring reading to life for our students every single day.
Our library team bring a wealth of experience to their roles. Between them they have decades of service at TRS, from almost twenty years as librarian to seventeen years supporting students, as well as the unique perspective of a former student who returned to join the staff team four years ago!
Meet the team
Mrs Hamilton – Literacy Lead
Mrs Wild – Librarian
Miss Rumi – Literacy Support Assistant
Mrs Crewe – Reading Leader with Responsibility for Library Lessons
Each of them can point to a book that sparked something for them when they were younger. For Mrs Hamilton it was Stig of the Dump, Mrs Wild remembers Goodnight, Mister Tom, My Sister Jodie stands out for Miss Rumi and for Mrs Crewe it was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. These stories may not be everyone’s “best book ever” but they stand out for the emotions they stirred, the imagination they inspired and the love of reading they encouraged.
Why the library matters
When you ask the team what they love about their work, the answers are thoughtful and heartfelt. They enjoy being surrounded by books, of course, but more than that is their love for encouraging reluctant readers, guiding students towards stories that will capture their interest, and seeing those students grow not just in confidence as readers but in confidence as people.
Some of the highlights they mentioned include:
- Building relationships with students and checking in with them regularly, especially during dedicated lessons with Years 7 to 9
- Watching students bring their friends along to share the joy of reading
- Taking recommendations from students and passing them on to others
- Seeing the gratitude that students show towards the team and the library itself
For the staff, these moments make the library feel like a truly special place.
How the library works
The Radclyffe School library is open every break and lunchtime and is always a busy and welcoming space. Students can borrow two books at a time: one that is levelled according to their year group and ability, and one chosen purely for pleasure. This balance ensures that students are both supported in their reading and free to explore whatever stories excite them.
The library is designed to inspire. Students can find seasonal displays, “if you liked this, try that” recommendations, and suggestions from fellow students. The stock is continually refreshed with both much-loved classics and the latest new releases.
Reading is a thread that runs throughout school life. Students are encouraged to read for twenty minutes every day, with ten minutes built into English lessons.
In Years 7 to 9, there are guided reading sessions each week during Welcome and Wellbeing time, giving students a chance to share texts with their PLG. For those who need extra help, there are targeted intervention sessions to provide additional support.
The team also run sessions with students to check comprehension and ensure that they are not just reading but also understanding, reflecting and enjoying the books they choose.
A hub of reading and connection
It is clear that our library is much more than shelves of books. It is a calm and welcoming hub where curiosity is encouraged, where students feel seen and supported, and where a love of reading can be nurtured and shared.
This National Libraries Week we want to say a huge thank you to Mrs Hamilton, Mrs Wild, Ms Rumi and Mrs Crewe. Their dedication, care and passion help our students to grow as readers and as individuals and ensure that the joy of books is firmly at the heart of life at TRS.
