LibraryThe Library is situated at the heart of the school - the entrance is in the playground, and its resources are available to everyone working in, studying at, or visiting the Dragon. In the autumn of 1895 the new school building, designed by the Headmaster's father, the architect Charles Lynam, opened in Bardwell Road. The big hall was used for assemblies and meetings, as a gym and a theatre; several rooms, including the Headmaster's study and the library opened off it, and the octagonal building to the side of the entrance was the splendidly named Sanitary Block. Today, much of that first building is the Dragon Library. The glass walls of the study gallery and the spiral staircase up to it are decorated with swirling dragons, and the recently renovated lobby houses a display case of miniature Japanese armour, as well as the Dragon's brass War Memorials. The Library is open from 8.15 am - 5.30 pm every weekday, and until 12.45 pm on Saturdays; we have two members of staff, one of whom will be on hand to help and advise during those hours. At any time children may have out two books and a tape. Books are due back after two weeks, but can be renewed if not finished in time. Overdue notices are sent to the form takers every week, but we do not charge fines. There are four, fully-networked computers for everyone to use, and staff, pupils and visitors can use their WiFi enabled laptops in here, too. Many thousands of non-fiction books cover both the subjects taught throughout the school, and leisure or outside interests, e.g. world travel, craftwork, fast cars, riding, ferrets. Children's literature is flourishing, and the Fiction library reflects this trend with a constant flow of new books. The Reference library is very comprehensive, and there is also a selection of magazines and a daily paper to read in the Library. We produce reading lists for Years 7 and 8, and for Years 5 and 6, which you can find in the Parent Information Section. Every March we celebrate Dragon Library Week, with competitions, book fairs and a well-known author to entertain E, D and C Blocks. These have included two Children's Laureates, and some entertaining scientific experiments, which the carpet fortunately survived. The Library also co-hosts curriculum-based author visits and workshops with other departments. For more information contact: Rosemary King |
