Library
The Library at Watford Grammar School for Boys
The library at Watford Grammar School for Boys, named in honour of our esteemed founder, Dame Elizabeth Fuller, serves as a vibrant and essential resource for the school community. It is a space designed to foster literacy, independent learning, and a lifelong appreciation for reading.
A Comprehensive Resource for Learning
The library plays a pivotal role in supporting teaching and learning, both within and beyond the curriculum. With an extensive collection of resources, it caters to the diverse needs of students from Year 7 through to Sixth Form, encouraging personal growth, academic achievement, and recreational reading. It equips students with critical skills for locating and utilising information effectively, while promoting intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.
Facilities and Services
The library is accessible throughout the school day and after school, offering an array of facilities and resources tailored to meet the needs of all students:
- Quiet study areas conducive to focused learning.
- Computers for research and academic tasks.
- An extensive collection of fiction and non-fiction books, including eBooks.
- Access to newspapers, magazines, and a wide range of cross-curricular digital resources such as VLEBooks and the JSTOR academic database (weblinks below).
Library lessons, conducted in collaboration with the English Department, are integral to our curriculum. Year 7 students participate in a comprehensive Library Induction session, while students in Years 7–9 attend scheduled class visits to enhance their research and reading skills.
Digital Resources and eBooks
The library’s eBook platform, VLEBooks, provides students with access to over 300 titles spanning a wide variety of genres, including science fiction, adventure, crime, classics, and non-fiction. These resources can be accessed remotely, ensuring that students have the opportunity to engage with their studies and reading interests from anywhere in the world.
Features of VLEBooks include:
- Tools for annotation, highlighting, and bookmarking.
- Integrated dictionary functionality and adjustable text sizes.
- Background colour customisation to support readers with dyslexia or visual impairments.
- Compatibility with a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and e-readers.
Accessing VLEBooks
Students can easily access VLEBooks using their school Google credentials. Comprehensive guides, including the VLEBooks Logon Instructions and Quick Reference Guide, have been shared with parents via InTouch to ensure seamless navigation of this platform.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The library continually updates its collection to reflect the academic and recreational needs of the student body, from Year 7 to Sixth Form. Particular attention is given to developing resources for GCSE and A-Level students to prepare them for success in higher education and future careers.
Our Librarian, Mrs. Waterman, is available to assist students in selecting suitable materials and welcomes recommendations for new acquisitions from both students and staff.
A Call to Explore
We encourage increased engagement with the library’s eBook platform. VLEBooks offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility, enabling students to cultivate a habit of reading and explore an extensive array of literature.
Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Waterman. We look forward to supporting the academic and personal growth of every student through our diverse and dynamic library resources.
Useful Links
VLE Books
How to Access VLEBooks
Logging in is simple—use your school Google credentials to access VLEBooks and start exploring the digital library. For guidance, refer to the VLEBooks Logon Instructions and Quick Reference Guide provided to parents via InTouch.
Supporting the Love of Reading
The library is continually updating its collection to align with the curriculum and the evolving interests of our students. Mrs. Waterman, our dedicated Librarian, is always available to recommend books or take suggestions for new additions to the library.
A Note to Parents and Staff
We encourage greater use of the library’s eBook platform. With its convenience and flexibility, VLEBooks is an excellent tool to help students discover the joy of reading. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Waterman.
We hope you enjoy exploring the possibilities that both our physical and digital library offer—happy reading!
Library - Before and After School
The library opens at 8:00am and remains open beyond the end of the school day (Monday to Thursday) for students who wish to borrow books or study.
Please note, the School librarian will be on duty to assist with library enquiries.
Open Times
- 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Thursday
- 8:00am to 2:15pm Friday
Please note, these timings may be subject to change due to meetings and events.
Student librarians
Year 11 Library Prefects assist the Librarian in the library. They are trained to use the Library catalogue, to issue and return books, shelve books and do other tasks that keep the library running smoothly. Including helping with events, such as World Book Day, to creating book displays, there are many ways that pupils can help the library and learn new skills.
Author Visits
As often as possible, we arrange for writers to visit us at WBGS. During these visits, the authors address the students, talk about their work and the inspiration behind their books. These sessions are always popular with the students and are an excellent way to spark interest in books and engage students in reading. Recent visiting writers have included mathematician and author Bobby Seagull and author Nikesh Shukla.
Fun in the Library
We run regular book-based competitions and reward schemes to engage students and encourage participation in library events. From World Book Day, Poetry Day, and the Holiday Reading Challenge to celebrating Libraries Week.
WBGS Archives
Our library also contains the WBGS Archive. We proudly display literary and other treasures and artefacts from the school’s history. Our volunteer Archivist is very busy answering information requests from students, alumni and historians.
