Library
DGS Library is a vibrant and stimulating space which is used regularly both for research and independent studying, as well as for relaxed and enjoyable reading. It is a welcoming and safe environment used by the whole school community on a daily basis, for teaching, learning and academic achievement.
Follow the DGS Library on Twitter for more book related content and opportunities.
Opening Hours: 8:30 - 4:15
Students can use the library before and after school, and during their lunch and break times.
The library is closed on Tuesday lunchtimes Week A for the Reading Ambassadors club.
The library is closed on Tuesday lunchtimes Week B for Chess Club.
Library Catalogue
Click here to browse the Didcot Girls' School library catalogue.
Year 9 permission
If your daughter is in Year 7 or 8 and you would like to give them permission to read books from the Year 9 section of the library, click here to email Mrs Barnes.
Reading for Pleasure
As well as boosting literacy skills, Reading for Pleasure has proven mental health benefits. Each class in Year 7 and 8 spend some of their English lessons in the library. The focus of this time is to teach them how to use the library and to establish and nurture a culture of reading for pleasure.
RET Reading for Pleasure newsletter
Reading Round-Up December 2025
Click here for more information about Reading for Pleasure cross the Ridgeway Education Trust.
Author Visits
Talks and workshops from published authors have a huge impact on students' attitude to books and reading. Research by the National Literacy Trust has found that students who attended author visits are more likely to read at a higher level, to enjoy reading, and to have greater confidence in their reading.
Every academic year, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 enjoy at least one author visit. Over the years, we have been delighted to welcome Holly Bourne, Pam Smy, Virginia Bergin, Sally Nicholls, Lauren James, Manjeet Mann and Jo Cotterill, among others.
Reading Aloud in Student Guidance Time
There is a great deal of research that suggests there are unique benefits to young people being read to, compared to reading independently. This includes helping students to develop their vocabulary by hearing unfamiliar words being used in their appropriate context and supporting students to navigate challenging text or themes in a group setting. Introducing students to a wider range of books than those read independently also facilitates gains in cultural capital by exploring notable texts that will help them to make sense of the world around them and play an active part in society. Listening to a story is also a relaxing and bonding experience for the group.
Students in Years 8 and 9 will read 2-3 novels from a selection of books over the course of the academic year.
For more details, please see the DGS Reading Strategy.
Rewarding Reading for Pleasure
To reward students for their reading, we have developed the Book Bingo:
Through this we hope to encourage students to read a range of different books, while not being prescriptive, and allowing them to choose the level of challenge.
Some suggestions of books students can read to complete the book bingo can be found in the Documents section below.
Supporting students with their studies
In addition to a wide range of fiction, the library is stocked with text books and revision guides, as well as calculators, that can be borrowed from the library. Click here for a quick view of some of the text books and revision guides available.
Reading Ambassadors and clubs
The Reading Ambassadors are a group of the school's keenest readers, who meet once every two weeks to discuss their favourite books and current reads. The Reading Ambassadors actively promote reading in every part of the school by helping to plan and run events, assemblies and author visits.
They also take part in Book Awards like the Oxfordshire Book Awards and the Carnegie Medal for Writing.
