Library


“Children who read for pleasure made more progress in maths, vocabulary and spelling between the ages of 10 and 16 than those who rarely read.”

(Institute of Education research, September 2013)

We have an award-winning new library here at Carterton Community College! It was opened in September 2012 by the late Professor Sir Tim Brighouse and in 2013 we won the national School Library Design Award. Some of our book purchases were sponsored by a number of local organisations, as well as former students, staff, and members of the local community.

What’s in our library?


  • A wide variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction, chosen to appeal to the range of different readers that we have and to support curriculum areas
  • Computers
  • The careers corner
  • Study tables, benches, chairs, and stools
  • A relaxed reading area with soft chairs
  • We also have garden space for reading outdoors in the summer!

When is the library open?


The library is open during lesson times, either for students to use as a learning space with their teacher or to visit for independent study, reading or research. Key Stage 3 English classes have regular library lessons and many of them follow the online Accelerated Reader programme. Other subject teachers also book the room for specific projects or activities. The library is also open at break and lunchtime, when students can borrow books, read, do homework or carry out research and private study.

Accelerated Reader


Please find below link to the Accelerated Reader programme where Year 7 and 8 students can take part in quizzes on the books they are reading.

Accelerated Reader

Can Books be Borrowed?


Of course!   All students and staff can borrow books and search the library catalogue, reserve and review books, and check their own account. There is also a link to the Oxfordshire library catalogue.

Library opportunities!


We have a range of activities to promote reading for pleasure, to support the curriculum and also to extend students’ learning. There are many enrichment opportunities available, such as the Oxfordshire Book Award, Information Book of the Year Award, the Carnegie Award shadowing group, and World Book Day, as well as a programme of occasional trips, talks, live webcasts, author visits and other events. We welcome students to become library assistants.  Any students can apply to join.

We are also able to offer the opportunity for students/parents to buy books at discount prices from the Scholastic Teen and Book Club brochures (any purchases earn points to help us buy new library books).

We want our library to be a safe and welcoming space, open to students of all ages and abilities, where new things can be discovered and ideas can be explored.