The McLauchlan Library: A Hub of Research, Reading, and Innovation
At the heart of NLCS lies the McLauchlan Library — and it is much more than just a collection of books. Our Library is a vibrant and dynamic centre of intellectual exploration, academic inquiry, and independent learning. With over 38,000 carefully curated resources, an exceptional team of qualified librarians, and cutting-edge digital platforms, the Library plays a pivotal role in fostering the curiosity, scholarship, and creativity that define the NLCS experience.
Research and innovation are embedded into every stage of learning at NLCS, and the Library is instrumental in supporting and enriching this journey. Whether students are undertaking the EPQ, IB Extended Essay, or our bespoke McCabe Project, the Library offers tailored, hands-on support — ranging from curated reading lists and expert referencing guidance to advanced research skills sessions. Sixth Formers also benefit from exclusive access to the Anderson Reading Room, a scholarly study space designed to inspire deeper intellectual engagement.
Crucially, independent research at NLCS begins early. Our unique Key Stage 3 Research Programme introduces students to a progressive, three-year research skills initiative – beginning in Year 7 all the way through to Year 9. Guided by a team of research specialists including our expert librarians, students explore core concepts such as source reliability, bias, critical thinking, referencing, and even the ethics of AI. This culminates in exciting exhibitions and symposiums held in our state-of-the-art IDEAS Hub — an inspiring and dynamic space that mirrors the collaborative and interdisciplinary thinking we champion.
In addition to academic resources, the Library offers an eclectic and diverse fiction collection, promoting reading for pleasure and wellbeing across all year groups. Students also have access to a wide range of premium digital resources including JSTOR, Gale in Context, Oxford Online, Britannica, Cambridge Companions, PressReader, NewsBank, and a 24/7 eBook collection via ePlatform.
All Library resources are managed via Accessit, our interactive online catalogue. Every student receives a personalised account upon joining NLCS, giving them full access to our print & digital collections, customised dashboards for subject-specific resources, reading history, and book recommendations.
The Library Team are:
· Ms A Pathiyath – Head Librarian & Archivist
· Ms K Cargill Thompson – Librarian
· Ms A Mainwaring – Library Assistant
Opening Hours are:
Monday to Thursday: 8.15am to 5.30pm
Friday: 8.15am to 4.15pm
For further enquiries about our Library resources, contact us at: nlcslib@nlcs.org.uk
N.B. The library is open term-time only and we are unable to respond to emails outside these hours or during holiday periods.
