Welcome to the Grace Academy Darlaston Library
Our library is a vibrant and well‑loved hub at the heart of the school. It provides a calm, welcoming space where students can study, complete homework, explore new interests, and enjoy reading for pleasure.
All students are automatically enrolled as library members when they join the Academy. Each student may borrow up to three items at a time for a period of four weeks.
Opening Times
The library is open to students every day at the following times:
- Break: 9:55am – 10:10am
- Lunch: 12:10pm – 12:50pm
- After School: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Resources
Our library is designed to support the academic and personal development of every student.
Fiction
We offer an extensive fiction collection across a wide range of genres, including contemporary, romance, fantasy, horror, humour, crime, dystopian, sci‑fi, classics, and historical fiction. The library also offers a range of dyslexia‑friendly books to support students with dyslexia. In addition, we provide coloured reading overlays, which students can use in the library during break and lunch, as well as in their reading lessons.
We also have a dedicated Lighthouse section, designed for students who are developing their reading skills or who prefer books at a primary reading level. This section offers a wide range of accessible and engaging titles, including popular series such as Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, and Horrid Henry. It’s an ideal place for any student who may be finding reading challenging or who simply enjoys simpler, high‑interest books.
Information & Non‑Fiction
Our non‑fiction section covers all areas of the school curriculum, alongside additional titles to encourage reading for pleasure and independent learning.
Revision Materials
A comprehensive revision section is available, covering KS3, GCSE, BTEC, and A‑Level courses.
VENDING MACHINE AND GET CAUGHT READING STAMPS
Outside the library, we have a Book Vending Machine where students can earn a free book. Each book requires a set number of stamps. Students who read for at least 10 minutes—whether in the library, elsewhere in the Academy during break or lunch, or after school—will receive a stamp in their planner on the Get Caught Reading page. Once they have collected the required number of stamps, they can choose a free book from the vending machine. Please note that if parental permission has not been given for MY+ or UY books, these titles will not be available to take home, and students will need to select a book from the MY category instead.
Consent Form to Borrow MY+ (Middle Year) and UY (Upper Year) books from the Library and vending Machine
Careers Library
Students can access a dedicated Careers Library containing leaflets, books, and college prospectuses to support their future planning.
Fiction Book Age Guidance
Our fiction books are organised by age suitability, ranging from 12+ to 16+.
Students in Years 7 and 8 require parental consent to borrow books labelled MY+ (Middle Years 13+) or UY (Upper Years 14+), as these titles may contain mature themes.
Parents wishing to give consent can complete the online form using the link provided. Once submitted, your child will be able to borrow MY+ and UY books. Without consent, these books cannot be issued.
Computers
The library has 18 computers available for students to use for online homework and research, including platforms such as Sparx, Seneca, and other revision or learning tools.
Lunchtime Activities
We offer a range of activities to make lunchtimes enjoyable and engaging:
- Chess Club – Every Wednesday and Friday lunchtime
- Colouring and puzzles – Available daily
Students are encouraged to take part and make the most of the library space.
Student Librarian Ambassadors
Students in Years 7–11 are invited to volunteer as Student Librarian Ambassadors. Ambassadors help with shelving, preparing books for cataloguing, creating displays, and supporting the smooth running of the library.
Library Computer System
Students wishing to borrow books must have them issued in their own name at the library counter and return them to the counter once they have finished with them.
