Our Library

“School libraries are part sanctuary, part laboratory, part university, part launchpad; every library on earth is a multiverse – truth inside of truth, story inside of story, idea inside of idea – which is to say, infinite.”

– Kelly Barnhill

We promote a love of reading and library usage by offering a diverse range of books and resources to suit all interests and abilities, we are supported in this by Portsmouth School Library Service. The library is a great place for students to read and work with friends during break and lunch-time; and before and after school. Students are also encouraged to take an active role through volunteering as Student Librarians, many of whom stay in the role for their whole time at Bourne Community College.

“Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.”

– Malorie Blackman

Designed with a classroom area for lessons the library also has a relaxed and cosy space for enjoying a good book. There are individual tables for small groups, a comfortable soft-seating area and, of course lots of books both physical and online. There are seven computer workstations for student use, as well as printing facilities to support with homework.

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

-Albert Einstein

The library supports the curriculum and subject departments across the school in a variety of ways that include providing a range of new and diverse fiction; book boxes to support classroom learning; weekly library lessons for year 7 and 8 and a homework club Tuesday and Thursday after school.

We also take part and run events such as:

The Portsmouth Book Awards
Chichester Literature Quiz
Author Visits
World Book Day
Harry Potter Night

Accelerated Reader and Library Lessons

Year 7 and 8 take part in the Accelerated Reader (AR) programme during library lessons and as part of their homework. Students sit an online STAR reading test which gives us their reading level. Students then read and quiz on books within their reading range, working towards personalised targets. Students can earn badges, prizes and rewards for completing their targets and reaching AR milestones.

Students can check if a book has a quiz, what level it is and how many points it is worth, by using the ARBookFind website.

Access Our E-Library

Our elibrary provided by Portsmouth School Library Service can be found via the following link:

https://portsmouth.eplatform.co/

You can use this via a browser or download the app, if you use the app we come under Portsmouth Schools. Please contact Mrs Farley for your logon information.