Thomond Community College is the only school in Limerick to employ a professional JCSP librarian, Jane Bingham-Shee. The library was completely revamped and extended in 2015.
The library's main purpose is to support reading for pleasure and lifelong learning. Students and staff are all welcome to suggest to the librarian about types of books and resources they would like to see in the library. The library receives an annual grant to allow the librarian to update the library stock and to fund library activities and events for the students.
JCSP library activities include borrowing and reading books, researching and doing homework, supporting project work, JCSP initiatives, quiet reading, group reading using class sets of books, educational games, workshops, and listening to stories. The library also welcomes guest speakers such as poets, storytellers and authors to inspire the students at the school. The JCSP library is not a silent, empty place but rather a vibrant, active learning space at the heart of the school. The library promotes interest in many school subjects, such as organising events for Science Week, Maths Week, French Week, and College Awareness Week.
The library is open at lunchtime and after school for study, homework, research, computer use, and reading for pleasure. Teachers can bring their classes to the library during class time for JCSP-funded library activities.
All students and staff have access to the Sora Digital library, which offers an excellent range of free eBooks and audiobooks. The librarian provides training and passwords.
The library is the venue for popular clubs like the book club, the chess club and the Dungeons and Dragons club.
Every year, the library publishes a book of first years’ short stories and has a book launch to celebrate.
The JCSP library hosts intensive literacy and numeracy mornings for first-year students. The students work in small groups at stations with their teachers and the librarian to receive extra tuition in Maths and English. This early intervention gives students an excellent start in their post-primary education.
Teachers and the librarian at Thomond Community College strongly encourage students to read for pleasure. Students can borrow books for themselves and their family members. The librarian does not fine students for late returns because she wants borrowing books to be a positive experience for all. Many studies have shown that students who read for pleasure do better in their exams.
The librarian provides an outreach service to other DEIS schools in Limerick. The librarian provides advice to schools on setting up reading spaces and libraries in their school and reading initiatives for their students.
Please see the library’s Twitter page for news about JCSP library events and activities.
Thomond CClib
JCSP Virtual Library
Contact the librarian:
Email:jane.binghamshee@lcetb.ie