Our wonderful library
The library is open each day from 8.30 – 8.55am and at break times. Students are welcome to come in and browse, do research or read. Plus, each class visits the library each week.
Year 5 and 6 students receive training to help operate the library.
"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library."
Albert Einstein (1879-1955. Theoretical physicist)
Why do we love our school library? Let us count the ways...
Reason #1
Because it is a welcoming space. With shelves jam-packed with fiction and non-fiction, there is a book for everyone.
Reason #2
Because a substantial body of research tells us that quality school library and information services have a positive impact on student achievement — and we love everything to do with student support and achievement.
Reason #3
Because a school library supports specific aspects of a child’s learning, especially information literacy and a love of reading.
It can also be considered as a service, an access point, a collection of resources, or a physical place — how versatile is that?
We work alongside six guiding principles as we continue to develop and improve our library.
Place
The school library is a student-centred facility designed to play a key role in the intellectual, educational, and cultural life of the school.
Reading
The school library is a foundation for the school’s literacy programmes and a catalyst for the development of lifelong readers.
Information literacy
The school library is a learning environment central to the development of an information-literate school community.
Access
The school library is a hub and interface with organised systems for accessing and managing information and resources.
Information resources
The school library is a provider of information resources selected to meet the curriculum and information needs of the school.
Service
The school library is a managed centre of professional expertise and support for the school community.
“A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people – people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.”
E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little
Want to explore books further? Check out these links!
Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
The library network has 20 libraries around Ōtautahi Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Te Pataka o Rakaihautū. The Digital Library is your access point to information, reading recommendations, local history, Māori resources, and collections including eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, music, magazines, comics, online courses, and encyclopaedias.
Storylines
Inspiring young New Zealanders and their whanau to enjoy the magic of reading books created for them by New Zealand writers and illustrators.
Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador
New Zealand’s national reading role model, advocating for the importance of reading in the lives of young New Zealanders.
Read NZ Te Pou Muramura
We believe reading makes life better. Read NZ Te Pou Muramura (formerly NZ Book Council) helps grow the next generation of readers by delivering programmes in schools and communities.
University Bookshop
Your community bookshop, just a minute's walk from the Ilam School back gate.