The Ward Library was opened in 2003. The refurbishment of the room, which is at the heart of the school, was made possible by the generosity of the Ward family. The library is well resourced with almost 3,000 books as well as newspapers and magazines. A wide selection of audio books are available on CD and these can be enjoyed using the library ‘Listening Station’. The stories are also made available to the boarders for bedtime listening. Interactive talking stories on CD-Rom are available for boys receiving learning support.

Boys in Year 7 & 8 are invited to apply to become librarians each term. A web based system - Junior.net is used in the library. Boys are registered on the system and may borrow a maximum of 2 books at a time. The library catalogue is accessible throughout the school using Junior.net. The library has four computers, internet access being available during lesson times. Each class has one English lesson a week in the library and the boys use the library for research, to work on projects and for quiet study as well as for reading for pleasure. The boys are encouraged to develop their library skills and to become independent learners. As part of the school's enrichment programme two book clubs meet in the library each week. 

A Book Week is held each autumn term. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate stories both at Elstree and Home Farm and there is always an amazing atmosphere in school on our first day of book week, 2011 was no exception. Our theme being 'Animals' costume day was a great success with both staff and boys entering into the spirit of the day and there were an incredible variety of animals padding their way around school. Many of the boys were able to tell the stories upon which their animal characters were based very well. Home Farm had a wonderful day of 'Lion King' activities.
         On Tuesday 18th October year 5 visited the Wolf Conservation Trust on our doorstep in nearby Beenham. The boys enjoyed a 40 minute talk about wolves, they learnt about their history, origins and the environments in which they live. We were all very excited to be taking two of the wolves for a walk. The wolves were on chained ‘leads’ handled by two members of staff and four further members of trust staff accompanied the boys on the walk. We all, some very bravely, had the opportunity to stroke the wolves on their tummies. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. During the afternoon the boys undertook a creative writing exercise and produced some outstanding work.
         Local author Holly Webb visited the school on Thursday 20th October. Holly came to the library to talk to the children from Home Farm and the boys in years 3 & 4. Holly spoke and showed pictures of her childhood pets as they have been the inspiration behind her series of books about animals. She read the first chapter of her latest book ‘A Cat Called Penguin.’
The children were delighted to have the opportunity to have one of Holly’s books and to be able to talk to her whilst she personally signed books for each of them. Two of our old Elstree boys have had a book dedicated to them by Holly Webb. Holly's book 'Timmy in Trouble' is dedicated to Eddie Hamilton and Jamie Steljes.

In September each year we celebrate 'Roald Dahl Day' and‘Book Trust’ provides each boy in Year 7 with a free book of their choice as part of the ‘Booked Up’ scheme. We celebrate World Book Day in March and all boys have an opportunity to take part in the Red House Children’s Book Award and the senior boys take part in the Berkshire Book Award. A Book Fair is held each Summer term in conjunction with our local 'Family Bookshop' in Thatcham so that the boys may enjoy some holiday reading. Each year the boys are encouraged to take part in a Summer Reading Competition .  

A 'Recommended Reading List' and a 'Scholars' Recommended Reading List' are available.

Librarian - Carol Botterill