Libraries

Libraries - The Heart of Learning Across the College

Our three libraries are more than just spaces filled with books – they are vibrant, inclusive learning hubs where curiosity is sparked, reading is celebrated, and students are empowered to think critically, collaborate creatively, and explore the world around them. Each library is custom-designed to meet the needs of the students it serves in DUCKS, Junior School, and Senior School, and together they form a vital thread through every stage of a Dulwich student’s journey.

Our Vision

To inspire and support every student to become a confident, curious, and compassionate lifelong learner through access to diverse stories, high-quality resources, and engaging learning experiences that nurture global citizenship and a love of reading.

Our Mission

Across the College, our libraries are welcoming and dynamic environments where students, staff, and families come together to read, research, reflect, and connect. Purpose-built to reflect the developmental needs of each age group, our libraries foster independence, creativity, and joy in learning through print and digital resources, inclusive programming, and expert support from our library professionals.

Each library is staffed by a qualified Teacher Librarian, supported by dedicated library assistants and an enthusiastic community of student and parent volunteers. Together, we build a strong reading culture and equip students with the research and digital literacy skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What Makes Our Libraries Unique?

• A Collection for Everyone
  With more than 48,000 titles and a wide range of digital platforms accessible anytime, our libraries offer something for every reader – from reluctant readers to literary explorers. We actively curate a collection that reflects our diverse community and supports the College’s “Live Worldwise” values, with books in over 30 languages, audiobooks, dyslexia-friendly texts, and high-interest, low-reading-level options.
   

• A Place to Learn, Belong, and Grow
  Our libraries are safe, inclusive spaces where students can think independently, collaborate respectfully, and grow socially and emotionally. They’re places to wonder, discover, and be inspired – whether by a powerful story, a compelling research question, or a quiet moment of reflection.
   

• A Continuum of Literacy and Learning
  In DUCKS and Junior School, weekly library lessons introduce students to the joy of storytelling and help them build foundational research and digital citizenship skills. In Junior School, students also learn to navigate our library catalogue and critically evaluate a wide range of information sources.

In Senior School, students visit the library regularly with English and other subject teachers to access diverse, high-quality reading and research materials. Our librarians work in partnership with staff to embed information literacy, academic integrity, and research strategies across the curriculum – from Year 7 through IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme.

• Responsive, Inclusive, Future-Focused
  Our libraries evolve in step with student interests, curriculum developments, and global events. We respond quickly to change, highlighting current issues and amplifying underrepresented voices through carefully curated displays and themed collections.

Celebrating Reading and Community

Throughout the year, our library teams lead a wide range of individual school and College-wide events that promote reading, authorship, and creative expression. These include:

• UNESCO International Literacy Day
• Readers Cup
• Poetry by Heart
• Human Library
• Literacy Week (formerly Book Week), culminating in a beloved book character dress-up day.

Through these initiatives and more, we make reading visible, joyful, and shared.