The Library

The library is the school’s research and study hub – a welcoming, beautiful and inspiring environment designed to encourage productive group and independent work.

Everything we do is geared to encouraging pupils to succeed in their studies and become independent and passionate learners – both at St Edmund’s and in their adult lives.

To this end, the librarian works closely with heads of departments to support the school’s curriculum and co-curricular activities, and with pupils to ensure they become effective researchers.

The library is extremely well stocked, containing a range of online and paper resources to support independent study, and we work closely with Kent Libraries and the University of Kent to assist pupils conducting higher level research, such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Assisted by a team of Upper Sixth library monitors, the library hosts various school clubs, societies and competitions, and is home to a shop from which pupils can buy books, stationery and other essential study items. More widely, the library sits at the heart of the school’s commitment to encouraging pupils to enjoy reading as a recreational activity.

Curiosity Shops

A weekly ‘Curiosity Shop’ takes place in the library during Wednesday lunchtimes. This involves a presentation from a visiting speaker followed by questioning from the pupils.

The Curiosity Shop is the school’s one shop stop for pupils to stimulate intellectual curiosity and gain a deeper understanding of how the subjects they study in the classroom relate to the outside world. To broaden pupils’ intellectual horizons and stimulate critical thinking, a diverse number of topics are covered throughout the school year.

Titles of recent Curiosity Shop talks include:

Robert Green, OBE, JP: Reader in Forensic Science and Director of Student Engagement for the School of Chemistry and Forensic Science at University of Kent; ‘Forensic Science: Pattern Matching’

Cressida Williams: Library and Archives Manager for Canterbury Cathedral ‘Magna Carta & Canterbury’

Dr Melanie Caiazza: Head of Film Studies & Teacher of English, St Edmund’s School ‘Maritime Kent through the Ages’

Edward O’Connor Headteacher St Edmund’s School ‘Britain’s Bloodiest Battle: Towton 1461’

Matthew Whitman: Head of English, St Edmund’s School ‘ Philosophy of Destruktion’

Prof Mark Connelly: Head of School, Professor of Modern British History ‘The British and Christmas 1830 – 1939’