The FHS library staff comprises four librarians who work together to create a welcoming space for students seeking respite, book recommendations and conversations on topics ranging from the Moomins to Virginia Woolf. Every breaktime, our librarians are on hand to meet the reading-for-pleasure and research needs of bibliophiles from our youngest Year 7 pupils all the way up to the Sixth Form.

Book Lists are available for all years throughout the school and are put together by the Librarian. Each entry gives brief details of the book. Subject guides are available to older students working on self-directed research and essay subjects, and compiled at the request of students and teachers.

The school library, the Centre for Creative Learning, opened in 2019 and is a unique, versatile and welcoming space that complements Francis Holland’s commitment to creativity and innovation. It is also the winner of a RIBA National Award for its architecture.

Library Mission Statement

Our mission is to make readers. Whether you become a nuclear scientist, pilot or artist, we want books to be part of your life journey. With this in mind, we encourage students to read to their interests and passions – that might be manga, fast-paced detective stories or romance. We don’t look down on any book – everybody, no matter what your reading taste or level, is welcome!

Book Week

Book Week is held every year at Francis Holland and is a major event in the School’s calendar. There is always a theme so that the children can dress up and esteemed authors attend to speak to the girls.

Author visits have included former pupil Dame Rose Tremain, Caroline Lawrence, Sally Gardner, Magda Archer, Lauren Child, Michael Morpurgo, Anne Fine, Jacqueline Wilson, John Ryan, Michelle Magorian, Doris Lessing and Jackie Kay.