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Library Corner

"A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life."
Henry Ward Beecher, American Abolitionist

Welcome to the Library Corner!

The library is the literal heart of Bridge Academy! It is located at the centre of the school, and the open plan design and clear organisation allow for easy access. The library has areas for reading, study, board games, and computer work. It is a resource for all students from Year 7 to Year 13.

Bridge Academy Library’s mission is to support all students through promoting both reading for pleasure and reading to develop stronger curriculum knowledge and research skills.

Library Webpage: Click here to view our Library Webpage and browse our catalogue.

Click here for access to our recommended Reading Lists. You must have a Bridge login to access these.

 

First News

This summer, we have access to First News- a great news source for KS3!

https://subscribe.firstnews.co.uk/summer-reading-2026/222448054963/

Please use the link above to subscribe. Access will be granted from July 9-Sept 4.

Library Hours

Term time only.

  • Mon-Wed: 8:30AM - 4:25PM
  • Thur: 8:30AM - 2:30PM
  • Fri 8:30AM - 4:25PM

Students can access the library during library lessons, break, lunch, and after school.

Library Loans and Returns

Each student can have up to 2 books checked out at a time.

  • Books and graphic novels have a two-week loan period.
  • Books and graphic novels can be renewed up to 3 times.
  • Manga and comics have a 2-day loan period.
  • Manga and comics cannot be renewed.

To return a book, drop it in the returns box at the front of the library or bring it to the circulation desk where a student librarian can help you.

Library Expectations

There are some rules that you must adhere to when working or browsing for books in the library:

  • Use appropriate indoor voices.
  • No food allowed in the library, only water.
  • No phones.
  • Computers are for homework only.
  • Move safely around the library.
  • Follow the instructions given by the librarian and staff in the library.

Reading for Pleasure

Mission: Students should have access to a wide range of literature, both fiction and nonfiction, to pursue their interests and engage their creativity.

We have over 9,000 books in our growing collection and regularly update stock with the newest literature.   

We also have access to eBooks and audiobooks online through SORA. Please contact the library to set up your account. 

To promote reading for pleasure, the library runs monthly themes and challenges.

 

Our Hackney Reading Ambassadors also promote reading for pleasure through events and surveys.

The library also hosts special events such as author visits, book swaps, Scholastic Book Fair events, and more. Keep an eye out for the library monthly flyer to stay up to date!

 
September 2026 Library Update:

Coming soon.

 

Reading to Develop Strong Curricular Skills

Mission: Students should be able to access further reading related to their coursework and pursue research interests to broaden their knowledge.  

We have a strong collection of books for students to improve their knowledge. The library works in conjunction with various departments to highlight books relevant to the curriculum. 

We also have paid access to JSTOR until October 2026, a scholarly online database for primary sources and journal articles, which supports research for GCSE and A-Level courses. Beginning November 2026, students can use their Bridge account for up to 100 free articles a year. Students can log in using their Bridge credentials here.

Contact and Questions

Our librarian can be contacted by email at library@tbah.uk. Our literacy coordinator is Harriet Walsh who can be contacted by email at hwalsh@tbah.uk 

Parents have the opportunity to meet with either the librarian or literacy coordinator at Parents' Evenings and Open Evenings. Parents can also contact the librarian or literacy coordinator directly to request additional information.