Student Use

The Academy Library is available to Academy staff and students before, during and after the school day for borrowing & returning books, accessing the Academy network, reading and studying, and purchasing essential stationery items. Magazines are available on the stand just inside the door, except for ‘Flip Side’,'Top Gear’ and ‘Q’, which are kept at the counter.

All students are welcome on the understanding that it is a is a ‘quiet area’ and that sensible, considerate behaviour is expected at all times. Lesson behaviour policies in respect of eating & drinking and the use of mobile phones and other personal audio items are followed at all times.
During lesson times, students must have visible proof of their teacher’s permission to use the library – either a Library Permit or a signed note in their planner on the appropriate day.

For information about Brighton & Hove Public Library Services available to our community members via our dual-use partner, please see Mile Oak Library.

Joining the Library

You do not have to join the library unless you wish to borrow books etc during ‘Academy Library Opening Times’. Simply complete and return a PACA Student Membership form. An Academy Library Card will then be issued, which will be valid for 5 years or until the end of a your Year 11, whichever comes first. These can be extended on a yearly basis if you join our 6th Form.

These cards may only be used in this library during the ‘school’ day and / or while you are in Academy uniform. They must be produced when borrowing a book or story CD. If forgotten, you may use your planner or exercise book as ID. You may not borrow B&H library chargeable items such as DVDs on your Academy card. Although you may return items borrowed on your Brighton & Hove Public Library card, you may not use it to borrow or reserve items in ‘school’ time – basically until 4pm, or while in uniform.

Except for some nonfiction items, most books etc are issued for 3 weeks or longer to cover a school holiday period.

Reservations

If you wish to reserve a particular book using your Academy Library Card, please ask for an orange Reservation form at the counter. Simply complete it and hand it in. When it is available for you, a slip will be sent via your Tutor.
You may use these slips to reserve any book at this library – PACA or Mile Oak. By all means use the Library Catalogue on the Internet or via the OPAC terminal to check if we have a copy, but at the moment do NOT use either of these to place a reservation. If the item is not available at this library, ask if I have ordered or would order it. Or you may use your public library card – not your Academy card – to reserve it from another Brighton & Hove library.

Fines & Charges

Remember to return your books on time as late items incur fines. Student fines are 5p per item per day for 6 days increasing thereafter to 10p per item per day to a maximum of £5 per item. If you do forget, we’ll send a reminder to which you should respond a.s.a.p.

If you have overdue items because you have been ill, we will renew the item and cancel any fines.

Please take care of all items borrowed on your card. They are your responsibility.

Lost or damaged items have to be paid for. Keep them away from pets and younger siblings. If you have a drink in your bag, make sure the container does not leak.

Please see the Student FAQ leaflet for further details.