The Wigoder Library
The Wigoder Library is open every school day for student and staff use. It provides a welcoming environment for independent study supported by the resources the Library provides. Students are encouraged to make use of the Library throughout the day in addition to before and after school.
The non-fiction collection contains volumes that have been chosen to provide the most relevant and recent information that has been published as well as provoking further thought and discussion. The large fiction section covers writers of all genders and races from the classics to contemporary fiction.
Resources:
| A carefully curated print collection |
| Electronic resources accessible via the Student Portal both in and outside of school |
| A library catalogue where the full holdings of the Library can be searched |
| Student library accounts for renewals, reservations and requests |
| A dedicated silent study space providing a scholarly, focused environment |
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Library Committee
The Library Committee are a group of students who work to highlight and showcase the wonders of the Wigoder Library, both the physical and electronic collection. They are on hand to offer insights into top reads, assist students who are unsure where to start or where to go next and are always keen to discuss what books both students and staff are currently reading.
| Committee Captain | Oscar Russell | |
| Committee | Lola Ajdukiewicz | Jannah Diab |
| Theodore Dolton | Sara Martin-Lopez | |
| Jelani Oni | Leka Peci | |
| Florima Toure |
Sanford Scholars
The Sanford Scholars programme is designed to help Harris Westminster students explore reading in its widest and truest sense. It aims to encourage students to expand their hinterland horizons as well as providing inspiration if students are struggling to decide which book to explore next. The programme isn’t limited solely to fiction reading, non-fiction reading also plays a key part in the reading tasks to be completed.
Students work through completing three different levels of the programme: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. For each level students complete a number of different reading tasks and record reflections on their reading in their Sanford Scholar zine. There is no time requirement in which a student needs to complete the different levels of the reading programme. They are encouraged and celebrated in their reading with this not being seen as competitive and therefore under a timed demand.
Students who complete all three levels of the programme are awarded the title of a Sanford Scholar. This is an outstanding achievement and is celebrated strongly within the school community. All students are encouraged to stay true to the values of the most eminent librarian, Sanford Berman, after who the programme is named. Specifically, students are asked to critically question their reading and not be afraid to challenge bias and prejudice within this. Students are also asked to remember that reading is a lifelong passion not solely confined to completing a reading programme.
