The Library
The Library has become a popular, safe space to be within the school. With over 10,000 books covering a diverse and inclusive range of fiction, graphic novels and Manga, plus non-fiction titles to support study and general interests, as well as 10 PCs and 12 laptops, we have something to offer students of all year groups and abilities.
Pupils are introduced to the library when they join Year 7 attending induction courses with an introduction to our online catalogue ACCESSIT. These sessions are run by our two experienced Librarians. Books can be borrowed for two weeks at a time and can be renewed at any time at the information desk.
Students are welcome to apply to be a Student Library Assistant. This is a fun and educational position that teaches teamwork, organisation, public speaking and responsibility. Our Student Library Assistants play a very important role within the Library and have the opportunity to take part in several extracurricular activities.
All students in Year 7 and 8 are enrolled in the Accelerated Reader Programme (AR) supporting and encouraging a wider range of reading within their individual abilities whilst promoting reading for pleasure. Students are regularly rewarded for their reading achievements throughout the year.
Many events are organised and hosted within the library including Percy Jackson Night, Harry Potter Night, World Book Week, Halloween Spooky Stories, Escape Rooms, Murder Mysteries, Hunger Games Events, recycled book crafting, book fairs, book festival trips and themed quizzes.
In addition, there are several clubs, challenges and competitions that students can take advantage of in the library. We are passionate about reading and introducing a diverse range of authors including Matt Oldfield, Dave Rudden, Tia Fisher, Annaliese Avery, Matt Windle, TOAST performance poetry, Jenny Pearson, Kathleen Glasgow, Manjeet Mann, Christopher Edge, Julia Edwards, Bali Rai and Matt Dickinson who, amongst others, have all visited us at the school.
Opening Hours
The library is open at the following times and as well as a space for reading, research and homework we offer different activity clubs each day after school as follows:
Monday: 8:45am – 4:15pm
Tuesday: 8:20am – 4:15pm
Wednesday: 8:45am – 4:15pm (after school Film Club)
Thursday: 8:20am – 4:15pm (after school Craft Club)
Friday: 8:20am – 4:30pm
Library Staff
To contact a member of staff, please click on their name below:
Access-It Library
accelerated reader
Keep up to date on library activities and events through Twitter @NGatelibrary
Library Policy
Reading Recommendations Year 7
YA Parental Permission Letter
Reading Recommendations Year 8
Key Stage 4 Suggested Reading List
Ashley Hickson-Lovence – Writer in Residence 2025-26
Ashley Hickson-Lovence is the acclaimed author of three books: The 392 (OWN IT!, 2019), Your Show (Faber, 2022) and Wild East (Penguin, 2024). He is currently writing his fourth book and editing his debut poetry collection.
Ashley as writer-in-residence, has visited Northgate on several occasions. Ashley has spoken to various Year groups in assembly settings as well as smaller workshops.
