The Library and Promotion of Literacy

LIBRARY

The library in Colaiste na Sceilge provides its students with a broad range of fiction, non- fiction and subject related reference texts as well as internet access for students’ project /research work.  The library is open to all students every Monday and Friday at lunch time.  Students can withdraw any number of novels and there is also a Book Return Box to facilitate students’ return of books.

One library class a week is timetabled for all First Year students in order to foster a love and appreciation for reading as well as improving literacy levels.  Transition Year students partake in library class once a month and participate in Book Club activities.  All other non- exam classes can be awarded library class in the course of the year as part of The English Department’s reward system.

Promotion of Reading

The library provides audio books and a range of novels that cater for students’ varying ability levels to encourage reluctant readers.  Incentives, such as, The “Caught Reading” Photography Competition is run before Christmas every year to highlight the importance of reading as a whole school activity.

The DEAR incentive (Drop Everything And Read) has also been employed in the school, where everyone in the school building is asked to stop what they are doing and read a non- text book or work related book for twenty minutes, focusing on the relaxing aspect of reading.  The time is chosen randomly and this creates a positive association between a surprise treat and reading.

The school celebrates World Book Day every March by placing a focus on reading and books.  Book displays of recent releases and best sellers are displayed on the school stage.  All first years as well as the members of The English Department, dress up as Characters From Fiction which creates a bit of a stir in the school!  Prizes are awarded for best dressed characters.  Also on that day, well known Irish Writers carry out workshops in the school, which is partially funded by Poetry Ireland.  It is a most enjoyable day for the whole school.  We have even had Murder in the Library Mysteries whereby students had to solve the murder in order to enter a draw for a prize- is that what happened to the former Kerry Manager (Jack O’ Connor)!!!

Due to current cut backs we have been limited in the amount of new books we can purchase but we are very grateful to any families that have donated books to our library.

We are always open to donations of relevant/appropriate books for students ranging in age from 12 to 18 years.

Not sure what to read!!!!

Check out the recommendations wall at the stage.