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The library is situated at the top of the main stairs on the first floor and is run by our library assistant Miss Cooper.
Welcome to the Nicolsom Institute Library!
Our library has a vast selection of high quality fiction and non-fiction books in English and Gaidhlig , including picture books, sensory books, graphic novels, quick reads and dyslexic friendly books. Newspapers, magazines, foreign language books , Audio books and DVDs are also available to borrow. Our aim is to encourage reading for pleasure in addition to supporting the academic curriculum. We regularly ask students for requests for new books.
We have a classroom area, computer suite, crafty and jigsaw corner , board games, fidget toys, two relaxed seating areas including our Zen Zone with beanbags and tub chairs, reading nooks and study pods with access to charging points. Our aim is to provide a safe comfortable space which fosters positive wellbeing.
Students in S1-S3 BGE English and Gaidhlig have timetabled fortnightly Library periods providing them with the opportunity to explore the library and borrow different genres of books to improve their literacy. Senior students are welcome to borrow books at any time by calling in to the library. They are also able to study there in free periods. All students have the opportunity to participate in World Book Day, National Poetry Day and Book Week Scotland events.
At break and lunchtimes students are welcome to use the library . For many students this is a safe space to meet up with friends, relax , read, play games or just simply be. Games and Activities are always available. Some students choose to become Junior Librarians -trained to assist with borrowing, shelving, book displays and events. This is a great way to make friends, learn new skills and can lead to nationally recognised volunteering awards.
Lunctime drop ins are held as follows:-
Tuesday - Saltire and Duke of Edinburgh
Thursday - Mindful Thursday with Action For Children Wellbeing Coordinator - a chance to destress device free
Reading Schools Newsletter - Core Accreditation Journey.pdfThe Nicolson Institute was awarded Reading Schools Core Accreditation in June 2026 - the first secondary school in the Western Isles to achieve this accreditation. This achievement reflects the excellent work taking place in classrooms and across the wider school community.
We will now begin working towards Silver Accreditation, building on the strong foundations we have established and continuing to develop a whole-school reading culture.
Please take a look at the Reading Schools newsletter below to see some examples of the evidence we submitted to Scottish Book Trust to achieve this accreditation.
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