The R. Samuel McLaughlin Resource Centre
The R. Samuel McLaughlin Resource Centre, located in the Senior School’s Sime Wing, serves students in the Senior and Middle School. It was funded through a generous donation from the McLaughlin Foundation, and also contains the Dame Diana Reader Harris collection.
The 4,500-square-foot Resource Centre houses an extensive collection of more than 20,000 titles. It is a progressive information centre, which functions both as a research library and a classroom where students can work individually in study carrels or in small groups to learn and apply research skills.
Desktop computers and a wireless network of laptop computers are available for student use in the Resource Centre. Students have access to a number of online databases, including EBSCO HOST, JSTOR, Canadian Periodical Index, and English and foreign language magazines and newspapers. The reference, non-fiction, DVD and computer software collections are built specifically to match research assignments given in the Senior School. Most of these databases offer material in languages other than English, such as French, Spanish, German, Korean and Mandarin. A growing collection of e-books and audio books enrich the library collection as does our subscription to the full text academic database, Questia. The Resource Centre’s fiction collection is extensive, current and reflects the increasing sophistication and interest of readers from Grades 7 to 12.
Knowledgeable and caring staff work closely with subject teachers to plan and implement research assignments and teach the necessary research and technical skills for student success. Our staff and our resources help Branksome students to become increasingly independent and effective learners and critical thinkers.
Reading Programs
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 hosts 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 library). These clubs enjoy numerous special events, such as author visits, school exchange visits, literary brunches/lunches and movie trips.