As the new school year begins, we are excited to celebrate another fantastic year of reading at Downe House! Our students have once again shown an incredible passion for books, reflected in the impressive borrowing statistics from 2024-25.

Library by the Numbers

• 3,283 loans were made last year across our collections.

• Our top borrower has taken out an incredible 220 books since 2020.

• A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder was the most borrowed title of the year, with 20 loans.

• Since 2020, our all-time favourites are:

  • One of Us is Lying – 80 loans

  • The Hunger Games – 61 loans

  • Heartstopper – 60 loans

Expanding Collections

With manga growing ever more popular, our Graphic Novel collection has been extended. Clara, a Remove student, shared her enthusiasm:

“I really love manga and here is why… For starters, I like that you read them from right to left—it just seems easier. Secondly, here at Downe we have a time called ‘little lights’ before bed that lasts for 30 minutes, and reading a manga fits perfectly into that period. Last but not least, almost every single manga is accompanied by an anime series.”

Miss Vandenham highlights the joy of recommending books to students:

“There is nothing more gratifying than suggesting a book that a student loves. I think we all remember the book that hooked us—the world, the characters, and how it made us feel. While I may not yet have handed a student the book that sparks a lifelong passion for reading, just being part of that reading journey is enough.”

Looking Ahead

With nearly 12,500 books available in the Murray Centre Library, there is something for everyone this year. Whether you’re hunting for a new favourite, exploring our reading lists on Oliver, or seeking a staff recommendation, now is the perfect time to dive in!