The R. Samuel McLaughlin Resource Centre, located in the Senior School’s Sime Wing, opened in October 1999; the Resource Centre was funded through a generous donation from the McLaughlin Foundation, and also contains the Dame Diana Reader Harris collection.

The Resource Centre is 4,500 square feet in size, with ample space to allow three classes to work simultaneously in the library. It houses an extensive collection of approximately 19,000 titles. It is a progressive information centre which functions both as a research library, and a classroom where students learn the rudiments of information retrieval and the search process as a whole. Twenty-five desktop computers and a wireless network of 35 laptop computers are available for student use in the Resource Centre. Students have access to the Internet and a number of on-line databases including EBSCO HOST, JSTOR, Canadian Periodical Index, and English and foreign language magazines and newspapers. The reference, non-fiction print, video, CD-ROM and computer software collections are built specifically to match research assignments given in the Senior School. The Resource Centre’s fiction collection is extensive, current and reflects the increasing sophistication of readers from Grades 7 to 12. The French and Spanish collections are also matched to the curriculum.

Our teacher-librarians work closely with subject teachers in planning and implementing research assignments. A research skills program exists for Grades 7-10, with the expectation that Branksome students will become increasingly independent and effective learners. The Resource Centre is open open until 5:30, Monday to Thursday and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Most materials are available for a three-week loan period.

Resource Centre librarians and staff promote the love of reading by offering numerous book talks to classes, creating special book displays to promote new books and organizing the Summer Reading Book Fair. Held each year in late May, the book fair allows students to purchase books on their summer reading book lists. Reading lists are also available each year to faculty and staff, furthering a culture of reading at Branksome Hall.

The Resource Centre also runs the Round Table Society and the Red Maple Reading Club. Its members and staff advisors meet weekly to discuss books and issues of interest while eating lunch in the library (food is not otherwise permitted in the facility). These clubs have enjoyed numerous special events, such as author visits, school exchange visits, literary brunches/lunches and movie trips.

The Resource Centre welcomes volunteers to work at the circulation desk. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us at 416-920-6265, ext. 219, or by e-mail at greid@branksome.on.ca.