For centuries libraries have been evolving. Once the repository for a community’s documents and collective knowledge, accessible only to the educated elite, libraries have adapted to being accessible to all comers, and a hub of learning and information. In the same way that public libraries have adapted to new requirements, school libraries have also evolved to keep pace with, and support, changes in education and how we access information. That being said, could any of us have imagined the dramatic changes and flexibility needed to function during a sudden global pandemic? Certainly 2020 has been challenging on all fronts.

Term 3 has once again seen both Barbreck and Nicholas libraries having to adapt promptly to the changing needs of the St Catherine’s community. During the first few weeks of term, Nicholas Library became a ‘home away from home’ for a number of Junior School students and their teachers. Various rooms were rapidly converted into offices and the main body of the library became a makeshift classroom. Like the panic buying in supermarkets, there was a spate of ‘panic borrowing’ in the last couple of days before lockdown – a wonderful example of how important the physical library collection continues to be in our increasingly digital world.

Once again, library lessons, reading sessions and clubs reverted to online forums. Although our physical collection is currently inaccessible, all of our digital resources continue to be available. We have also supplemented our current digital collection with a trial of e-Platform, an extensive library of e-books and audio books. For the remainder of the term, students and staff can access this wide collection of fiction and wellness titles via the link in the News items on the portal or via the library page.

While change is rarely comfortable, it is comforting to know that we have a wealth of wonderful resources at our fingertips through both of our libraries – we have much to be grateful for.