The Maru-a-Pula School Library
Libraries are reservoirs of strength, grace and wit, reminders of order, calm and continuity, lakes of mental energy, neither warm nor cold, light nor dark … In any library in the world, I am at home, unselfconscious, still and absorbed.
Germaine Greer
About the Maru-a-Pula Library
The Maru-a-Pula School Library is more than a place to find books—it is a space for learning, connecting and growing in alignment with the school’s mission. Through engagement with a wide range of resources, students develop research and critical-thinking skills, build meaningful connections with peers and staff through collaborative learning, and grow as informed, curious, and reflective individuals. The library fosters a culture of inquiry, reading and lifelong learning.
The library provides opportunities for research, reading and community engagement. With spaces designed for both collaborative and independent study, it offers a welcoming environment where students can explore diverse ideas and access resources that support their individual learning needs.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 07:00–16:30
- Closed on public holidays
Collections
Collection development is largely driven by the school community through recommendations submitted via the Library Suggestion Box or email.
The collection includes:
- Fiction books representing a variety of genres
- Non-fiction books covering a wide range of subjects
- Newspapers, primarily local publications
- DVDs containing both fiction and non-fiction content
- Laptops with internet access and appropriate content restrictions
- Educational and recreational games
The library also maintains several special collections, including:
- Classics Collection
- Self-Help Collection
- Botswana Collection
- Setswana Collection
- A Level Collection
- African Writers Collection
- Graphic Novels Collection
In addition, the library supports the School Archives, which serve as a repository for past student and staff records, as well as historical materials relating to the school. Archival acquisitions are carefully assessed and selected based on their relevance to the school’s history and collection priorities.
The Library and Archives also receive donations, which are evaluated and accepted based on their condition and relevance to the collection.
Withdrawn Items
Materials that are withdrawn from the collection are donated to charitable organisations and selected schools, whenever appropriate.
Organisation of the Collection
The library uses the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system to organise its collection. Clearly labelled shelves and library guides assist users in locating books and other resources.
Library staff are available to help students find materials, conduct research, and make effective use of the library’s resources and services.
Borrowing and Membership
Loan periods are as follows:
- Books: Two weeks
- DVDs: Three days
- Reference materials: Overnight
The number of items that students may borrow varies according to their school level. During school holidays, all students may borrow up to ten books.
Games are available for loan to boarding students over weekends.
Reprographic Services
All reprographic services are available for staff whilst students can only photocopy at a cost.
Library Promotion
To encourage reading and library use, the library features monthly:
- Top Ten Readers
- Top Fiction Books
- Top Non-fiction Books
New acquisitions are promoted through email announcements and book displays.
Students are encouraged to write book reviews, which are shared with the school community via email.
International School Library Month (ISLM)
Each October, the library participates in the celebration of International School Library Month (ISLM). This event highlights the important role that school libraries play, not only as centres of learning, but also as spaces for recreation and personal growth.
A variety of activities is organised throughout the month, and authors are sometimes invited to speak to students about the joys of reading and the process of writing and publishing books.
Library Orientation
All new students participate in a library orientation programme. This introduces them to the library’s facilities, resources, services and expectations, ensuring that they are able to make effective use of the library from the outset.
Service Programme (SPE)
The library hosts a Service Programme known as “Library Service”. Students participating in this programme assist with various library tasks, primarily shelving and organising books.
MaP Reads
Akpan, Uwem
Say you’re one of them
How many books have you read this month?
What are you currently reading?
Looking for some phenomenal fiction?
What’s Happening in the Library:
Junior Reading Club
Library Service