Using the Library

History

Originally named The Stoyles Library, after the first GHS headmaster Herbert G. Stoyles, the original library building was opened with the school in 1929. In 1939 a new library was built in what is now the TAS block, but this was soon outgrown. Our current building was opened in 1981 and continues to evolve to this day.

Our Staff

• Teacher Librarian - Mrs Beckett
• Library assistant - Mrs Anny Purins

Borrowing

Students can borrow -

• 4 fiction, including picture books, graphic novels, and Manga
• 4 non-fiction
• Loan period: 3 weeks for fiction & non-fiction, 3 days for Manga and graphic novels. 

The senior fiction and senior non-fiction collection items (of which there are only a few) are only available to students in years 10-12 unless parental/caregiver permission has been provided to the Teacher Librarian to borrow these books.

Students need to have their school student ID card to borrow.

Books are returned via the returns slot in front of the library desk. 

Students are unable to borrow new books if they have any overdue items. Email notifications of overdues are sent out weekly to students and students are encouraged to return items on time to ensure everyone has access to the items they need. 

Resources

• Fiction – the library has a large, curated fiction collection which is constantly evolving and growing. Students are encouraged to engage with the library collection by recommending books and resources they would like to add to the collection. The fiction collection includes novels, short stories, Manga and graphic novels, verse novels and picture books.
• Non-Fiction – our collection includes resources covering all curriculum subjects and most subject topics and resources are purchased to support new topics when required. There are also a variety of personal interest books including chess, cooking etc.
• Wheelers eBooks and Audio books – the library subscribes to an eBook and Audio book subscription which is free to all students. 

Mindfulness

The library is a vibrant, flexible learning school resource that provides a welcome space for all students and staff. The library not only provides resources to promote academic excellence but also prioritizes wellbeing and promotes inclusivity. The library provides mindfulness activities and crafts, including origami, colouring in, sketch books and pencils, journals, and planners. You can find all the materials and inspiration you need in the two trolleys near the front desk.

Puzzling Club

There is always a 1000-piece puzzle on the go on the table opposite the library front desk. It is wonderful to see junior and senior students working together to get these finished and the sense of group achievement when the final piece is placed.

Senior study area

• A senior study area is in the upstairs mezzanine for use by students in years 11 and 12 for quiet individual study.  This is also where the HSC resources collection is located.

Seminar room

• The seminar room, when not being used for senior timetabled language classes can be booked by teachers and students to use for group study, debating, quiet study and meetings.

IT access

• 20 desktop computers are available for use by students during classes and breaks. A dedicated student printer is available for use and is accessed via the desktops.
• The cost of printing is 10c per side A4 in black & white or colour.  Print credit can be purchased at the front office ($2 or $5). Students then bring the receipt of payment to the library where funds are added to the student’s print account.