Library update: empowerment through reading

by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian

It has been a busy Spring term in the Library, marked by the return of old favourites alongside an exciting new addition to our collection. 

Global Reading 

Year 8 students embarked on their Reading Passport journey, travelling around the globe through books. Their aim has been to explore as many continents as possible, collecting stamps along the way. This annual reading and writing project continues to be rewarding in so many ways: students discover new authors, explore diverse cultures and countries, and broaden their reading horizons. 

A highlight of the project has been the sharing of mini reviews, displayed on our world map (pictured above), creating a growing source of inspiration for fellow readers. It has been wonderful to see students engaging with each other’s reading experiences. 

This year's surprise destination was Ireland, where a selection of highly rated books proved to be a real hit with our readers. 

Empowering Reads 

Members of the Feminist Book Society have worked in collaboration with the Library to curate a thought-provoking Feminist Collection, charting the development of feminism through the ages. The collection was officially launched on 9 March, marked by a speech from our Head, Mrs Sharrock (pictured below), and, fittingly, purple and white cupcakes. 

This exciting new resource brings together existing library texts and newly acquired titles exploring contemporary issues, creating a rich and dynamic collection. Students can discover a wide range of materials, including biographies, historical works, books on gender politics and fiction. 

Looking ahead, a key ambition is to trace the development of Putney High's own feminist history through materials from our archives. The collection will continue to grow and evolve, reflecting the issues that matter most to our community. 

We hope this collection will serve as an inspiring and empowering resource for all our students, both now and in the years to come. 

Powerful stories through illustrations 

For the fourth year running, students from Year 6 and Year 8 have joined forces to read and judge the eight shortlisted titles for the Carnegie Medal in Illustration (pictured below). As part of the Shadowing Group, students take on the challenging task of assessing how effectively illustrations convey narrative, evoke emotion, and communicate complex ideas. 

While evaluating the books against a set of criteria is central to the project, an equally important aspect is the opportunity for collaboration between Junior and Senior School students, with Year 8 pupils taking on a supportive leadership role. 

The group will cast their votes in April for their favourite to win the Shadowers' Choice Awards, alongside other shadowing groups from across the country. 

What PHS is reading 

As part of the National Year of Reading, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share some of the most borrowed books in our library. 

Year 7 students are devouring the internationally bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series, racing through all 10 instalments in no time. Crime and murder mystery titles also remain enduring favourites, with series such as Murder Most Unladylike and novels by Agatha Christie continuing to stand the test of time. 

From the Young Adult shelves (Years 9–11), A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series remains a firm favourite. These compelling books, with layered themes and authentic characters, continue to captivate both young adult and adult readers alike. 

Meanwhile, the fantasy romance and TikTok sensation Powerless series is currently among the most requested books in the Library, with eager readers keen to get their hands on the next instalment as soon as they finish the last. 

The Library Team would like to wish everyone a wonderful Easter Holiday!