Library
The purpose built Library is located centrally on the ground floor, it is a bright, attractive room which is easily accessible to pupils and staff.
School Librarian
The library is managed by a full-time professional librarian: Mrs J. McArdle
Library Aims
- To provide a welcoming area in which pupils may read, study or do research
- To provide a centralized resource of materials and expertise, which supports the curricular needs of pupils and staff
- To promote the concept of reading for enjoyment
- To enable pupils to acquire information and study skills
Resources
- 14,000 resources, comprising of Fiction, Non-Fiction, Reference & Audio Visual Materials
- Internet linked PC’s
- Magazines & Daily newspapers
- Audio Visual
- Years 8 & 9 - can borrow 2 books
- Years 10, 11 & 12 - can borrow 4 books
- Years 13 & 14 - can borrow 6 books
- Staff can borrow up to 10 items
- Books must be returned on time
Booktastic have a Peachy Party to Celebrate the 50th Anniversery of “James and the Giant Peach” on the 6th Annual Roald Dahl Day
On Tuesday afternoon the library held a Booktastic Peach Party to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Roald Dahl’s first children’s book “James and the Giant Peach”.
It has been over eleven years since Dahl's death and yet, it seems, the world famous children's author has never been more popular, especially here at St Patrick’s. For the past 6 years fans have celebrated his birthday with events world wide. September 13th is now officially known as Roald Dahl Day.
Twenty-seven of the Booktastic gang played games, competed for special edition copies of James and the Giant Peach, drank gallons of juice and ate a huge amount of cake and buns. Edith Dickson from Library Headquarters joined in the fun and was very impressed by the enthusiasm of the Booktastic group, returning to HQ with a very long list of new books and authors.
Knowledgeable super Dahl fans Molly Greenfield, Sorcha O’Donnell and Liza Fredriksson were awarded the Special Anniversary editions of James and the Giant Peach.
The James and the Giant Peach celebration are continuing and children are invited to join the mission to roll James's Giant Peach around the world by sending their own Peach-gram, mirroring the incredible journey James and his friends made in the book! A print-out can be downloaded from the Roald Dahl website. Children are invited to send a personalized letter with their peach-gram when they send it to their friends or family member. More information on www.followthatpeach.com.
Awards time again
The launch of the NI Book Awards was held in Belfast on Wednesday 16th November and was attended by Emma Kate Haughey, Clodagh Cassidy, Lisa Fredricksson, Leah Carragher and Molly Greenfield along with Mrs McArdle. 
The 5 girls were representing their class (908) who will all be taking part in the awards process, by reading the 8 nominated books and taking part in various fun activities throughout the coming months. The students will then be invited to vote for their favourite book and attend the grand finale which will be held in March 2012.
The NI Book Awards, now in its 3rd year is quickly becoming a very important part of most school libraries calendars. There are 25 post primary schools involved this year from all over Northern Ireland. What makes the NI Book Awards different from other awards is that the books are nominated by students and the winning book is chosen by students. Adults are welcome to read the books and leave their comments on the NI Book Award website, but their votes are not counted.
The Award organisers Mrs K Lindsay and Mrs A Cowdrey, both school librarians have the near impossible job of generating the short list from the hundreds of books nominated, but yet again they have come up with a fantastic short list, which should provide something for everyone. 
The guest speaker Irish Author Oisin McGann, gave a very entertaining talk on his experiences as a writer and illustrator. He generously took time to sign several copies of his books which are now available in the school library. 
Oisin McGann recreating the front cover image for his book
