School Library Service
Foxcroft Close
Leeds, LS6 3NT
Tel: 0113 214 4531
Fax: 0113 214 4532
email using the link on this page
Opening hours
Monday 9-5
Tuesday 9-5
Wednesday 9-6 (9-5 school holidays)
Thursday 9-5
Friday 9-5
Large print
Large print books are now being sent out to primary schools each term. You can also borrow audio books. If you would like more information please ring.
Fiction loans are now free
There is no additional charge for KS1 and KS2 fiction. Choose from themed boxes, group sets, picture books etc. You can download the order forms from our website or ring us up and we will send you one.
Topic top ups
If you would like extra books or resources you can now ‘top up’ by calling in to our HQ at Foxcroft Close.
Meeting room
Our meeting room is free of charge to Leeds schools. There's plenty of space, access to all our resources, free parking and peace and quiet.
Who can use the School library service?
- All Leeds LEA Primary Schools.
- All Leeds LEA Secondary Schools. (N.B. You need to pay an annual subscription).
- Non-LEA schools and schools outside Leeds can buy into the service. Please telephone for details.
Services for all schools
- Advice and support
- Practical help
- Courses and workshops
- Reports and book audits
- Library skills training
- Newsletter
- Loans
Is advice and support free?
Yes, each school can have a free advisory visit every other year. You can also speak to one of the advisors by phone or come to our headquarters at Beckett Park Primary School. Just phone for an appointment.
What courses and workshops do you offer?
Recent courses have covered library organisation, library promotion, and creating eye-catching displays. Courses are announced on our website and information is sent to schools. Let us know what you would like and we'll try to provide it.
What does a report cover?
The most popular is a general status report combined with a book audit and incorporating recommendations for future developments.
Newsletter
Our newsletter, The Blurb! is produced every term and sent out to library co-ordinators. It contains news about new services, regular features about using and promoting your library with simple ideas to try out and news about the fantastic work in schools. Please tell us what you are doing so we can include you in a future issue.
Primary and special schools
How can you help me?
We can help you with planning, furnishing and stock, and when your library is ready we can help with ideas for promoting and using it. We will also sort your stock and identify old and outdated books, put books in order and fix shelf edge guiding. We'll help with anything library related - just ask.
How should I arrange the non fiction in the library?
We recommend a simple number system with colour coding and can provide all the materials you will need (stickers, wallchart, classification scheme, subject index and guiding). Most schools also arrange for our staff to classify the books and in this way most school libraries can be completed in a single day. Non-fiction classification is one of the most popular tasks we carry out for schools.
Can you tell me about computerising my library?
If you are interested in library software we can arrange a demonstration either in your school or at our headquarters at Foxcroft Close. We can also help with installing software and inputting books.
Do you offer library skills classes for children?
Yes. These include a short introduction to Dewey, how to use the subject index and practice in locating books in the library. The classes are suitable for Key Stage 2 children. We also have a set of simple activity sheets suitable for Y2 or which can be used with older children who need support. A charge is made for this (or you may use your free advisory time). Alternatively, activity sheets are available for you to DIY. (Note: Your library must be colour coded and classified to our simplified Dewey Decimal scheme 2nd edition).
There is also a resources file of assorted worksheets for extending library skills at KS1 and KS2. Many are also useful for literacy. Come in to browse and copy.
What can I borrow?
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KS1 and 2 non-fiction
Most of the non-fiction is pre-packed in boxes of 25 items, mainly books, designed to support the National Curriculum and the QCA schemes of work. Boxes are delivered to schools at the beginning of each term or half term. Download the Topic Box list direct from our official website and order by post, fax, phone or e-mail. You can also borrow extra books from our library.
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Audio boxes
Each set contains a story on cassette or CD plus 6 books. You can order for KS1, Y3/4 and Y 5/6. Download the Audio Box list direct from our official website and order by post, fax, phone or e-mail. You can borrow 3 sets per term.
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KS1 and KS2 fiction
There is no additional charge for KS1 and KS2 fiction. Choose from themed boxes, group sets, picture books etc.
Allowance is as follows:
KS1, 50 books plus a themed box.
Y3/4 50 books, plus a themed box.
Y5/6 50 books plus a themed box.
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Story bags for KS1
Story bags contain a popular children's storybook and exciting interactive resources to complement it. The charge is £10 per term. Download the story bag list direct from our official website and order by post, fax, phone or e-mail.
You can download the order forms for all of the above or ring 0113 214 4531.
Secondary schools
How can you help me?
We can help with recruitment, siting and planning, shelving, layout, organisation and pre-Ofsted preparation. We'll help with anything library related - just ask.
Can you help with recruitment and selection?
Yes. We can give advice and support including help with interviewing and advice about job descriptions and pay scales.
Can I attend the High School Librarians' support group?
Yes, if your school subscribes. Meetings are held six times a year and provide members with an invaluable opportunity for sharing good practice. A recent theme was ‘Raising the profile of the library and librarian’.
What can I borrow?
Up to 100 books at a time can be borrowed from our library. Primary school topic boxes and audio fiction sets can also be borrowed. If you need extra books for a topic or event we may be able to help.