The Library occupies a light, spacious room on the second floor with panoramic views as far as Dartmoor. It is available for use by all students and staff. We have over 13,000 books, as well as cassette tapes and videos. Leaflets, magazines, newspaper cuttings, and free postcards can also be found in the library. We have a classroom area with whiteboard, a separate designated 6th form study area, and the careers library, as well as computers for doing homework, projects and research. The school stationery shop is open, apart from lesson times, for the purchase of pens, pencils, themed paper, floppy discs, coursework folders and virtually everything else students need to complete their schoolwork.

How do I find what I am looking for?

All fiction – novels and story books – are arranged in alphabetical order according to the last name of the author. We also have a Quick Read section and some graphic novels.

Non-fiction books – those containing facts and information – are arranged by a number system. It is called the Dewey system. Each subject has a number, and there are ten main sections. There is a chart on the wall beside the librarian’s desk to help you, or please feel free to ask for help.

0 to 099	General Knowledge, Computing and Encyclopaedias
100 to 199	Philosophy, Paranormal, Psychology, and Ethics
200 to 299	Religions and Mythology
300 to 399	Social Sciences – Sociology, Communities, Politics, Slavery, Economics, Law, Armed Services, Social Welfare, Education, Transport, Costume, Folk Stories
400 to 499	Languages - English, French, German, Spanish
500 to 599	Sciences – Maths, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Zoology
600 to 699	Medicine, Human Biology, Engineering, Cars, Gardens, Pets, Cookery, Technology, Manufacturing
700 to 799	Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Textiles, Graphics, Photography, Music, Film, Theatre, Sports
800 to 899	Literature, Poetry, Drama, Shakespeare
900 to 999	Geography, History

 

Westlands Library Internet Book Search

To search for books, DVDs, videos or recomended websites, click here or on the library icon on the home page. This takes you on to 'Oliver' our school library web based management system. Click on the OPAC Search icon, the search tabs give you a range of ways to find what you are looking for. The help tab displays some tips for creating a search query. The search results will tell you if an item is available or not and you can gather more information by clicking on any of the red type. Don't forget that this may be used at school or at home, and is a good way of finding appropriate websites for homework.

Opening Hours

The library is open from 8-00am to 4-00pm. The classroom area is often booked for lessons, particularly by the English Department. If you are sent to use the library by a teacher during lesson times, you must have written permission. Computers are for schoolwork only. If you wish to use the Internet, you must have an Internet permission form signed by your parents. You may not eat or drink in the library, and mobile phones must not be used at all. Please keep them turned off. Please respect other library users by keeping as quiet as possible.