Library Design Award

The Atrium Library at St John's Marlborough was a finalist in the 2011 Library Design Award.

Library Team:
• Anne Stokes (Manager Learning Resources)
• Vicky Berry (PPL English)
• Caroline White (PPL English)
• Dr Patrick Hazlewood (Headteacher)

Citation of the Judging Panel

St John’s School, Marlborough, Wiltshire

Situated in the historic town of Marlborough in Wiltshire, St John’s is a renowned 11-18 co-educational comprehensive school with an enviable reputation.

In December 2009 it moved onto a new site - The Times newspaper of 5 December 2009 quoted: “The result is a stunning series of buildings, designed to maximise natural light, exploit views over the surrounding downland and forests and feels like a community campus rather than a conventional school”.

The new Atrium library, for the 11-16 students and Sixth Formers who choose to use it rather than their own silent study library, mirrors the effective feel of other rooms. Located deliberately in the heart of the school on the first floor overlooking the atrium to give maximum effect – its huge glass wall, full of interesting displays, catches your eye as soon as you enter the main building.

From the start the Head has been keen to develop a multi-role, relaxed and focused library with a good mix of books and ICT. It has a very deliberate learning commons feel to it. The enthusiastic staff support this ethos. It is the only triangular-shaped library that the judges can recall, but it has immediate impact. Its location, use of natural light, windows to stairwells Sixth Form areas and the atrium itself give it a deliberate goldfish bowl identity. A high ceiling, and light wood shelving, layout and use of blue carpet and seating and clever signage give it immediate impact and an inclusive feel.

The layout is thoughtful and relaxed. Although not the largest of libraries given the size of the student population, the space has been carefully designed. Total seating capacity is 61 students, many more like to chill out on the floor and share books – this was figured into the planning. The entrance is welcoming – picture books, easy chairs, DVDs and some fiction all within easy reach. Lots of shelving is freestanding and arranged to give a cosy nooks and corners atmosphere. The library counter, located by the entrance, is nicely situated in front of the office workspace which has windows that overlook the library. ICT workstations are cleverly backed against this office wall, others are located around central pillars. Sight lines have been deliberately blurred to allow class use of the central area, with quiet study, small groups and one to one teaching/mentoring elsewhere. It is a well designed library – nobody in school can ignore it!