The library service at Abingdon supports reading for pleasure by providing a broad range of reading material and by helping students find books that stimulate their interest and assist their reading development.
Students are free to choose from more than 15,000 books on the shelves, including the latest bestsellers as well as classic fiction and non-fiction.
The librarian, Dr Gardner, who has an extensive knowledge of literature, works closely with the English department to encourage all students to read widely and deeply. He is always happy to discuss reading choices with individual students.
Lower School students benefit from regular Reading and Research lessons, which include introductions to a range of literature and provide opportunities for students to read without interruption.
Readers of all ages can join one of Dr Gardner’s three book groups. Meetings are well-attended, lively and opinionated!
The hugely popular Joint Schools Author Visit, marking the annual World Book Day on March 1st, provides fantastic opportunities for Lower School students to meet leading children’s authors. Carnegie Shadowing, which extends across the Lent and Summer terms, sees Lower School boys meet with students from other Abingdon schools to decide the best children’s book of the year.
The librarian also administers standardised assessment reports for all Lower School students in order to generate a solid base of evidence on reading comprehension skills, vocabulary range and other literacy indicators.
