The best way to get to know the Somerville Library is to explore. Browse the shelves, borrow books and DVDs, talk to the Librarians. This is a great place to relax as well as to learn.
The ground floor houses the fiction collection. This is divided into three areas, indicated by the spine labels on the books. Junior fiction, suitable for KS3, is found in the side room. Books in this area are labelled J/ and shelved in alphabetical order by author’s surname, so, for example, Roald Dahl’s Matilda would be shelved at J/DAH. This room also contains Young Adult fiction (Y/), suitable for KS4, plus graphic novels, audiobooks and collections of books aimed at students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and students learning English as an additional language (EAL). Senior fiction (S/), suitable for KS5 and staff, is shelved in the main ground floor area. Here you will also find DVDs and periodicals, as well as Mrs Davidge’s desk.
The first floor houses the non-fiction collection. These books are shelved by subject using the Dewey Decimal System. This system divides books into class numbers, and the books are shelved in numerical order. See our guide to finding non-fiction in the Somerville Library. The colour printer/photocopier is located on this floor, next to the door to IT1. Dr Hayes’s desk is situated near the printer.
The top floor is reserved for Sixth Form use only. Here you will find material related to Careers and Further Education, and the office of Dr Dickers, HE, Research & Careers Leader for Ashford School.