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www.abingdon.org.uk 7 Exciting New Library will Support Independent Learning Preparations are well underway for the new library, which will occupy the first floor of the new Beech Court development opening in autumn 2018. The library will replace the existing library in Big School and will be a focus for independent learning. With more than twice the floor area of the present library it will be centred around a dedicated reading area and a flexible, open-plan space supporting different modes of study. It will also include a sound-proofed zone for private study, project rooms and a careers office. The dedicated reading area will provide a welcoming, comfortable space where students can drop in and simply read. Zoning and careful sound baffling will enable the library to accommodate a diverse range of teaching and learning activities simultaneously. The facilities will encourage students to recognise and fully utilise the value of both established and emerging information platforms. Digital resources and mobile technology, both integral to reading and research, will be readily accessible with wi-fi and charging points throughout. At the same time, the library will house more than 15,000 books, journals and magazines. The library will bring together the best of what our existing library offers with the best of new technologies, in a comfortable and flexible space tailored to the diverse needs of students growing up in a rapidly evolving information environment. You can now watch National Theatre Live and RSC Live broadcasts at the Amey Theatre. Following a substantial upgrade of the sound and audio visual facilities, which includes a 8m x 5m cinema screen and 7.1 surround sound, the Theatre opened its doors to the public for the live screening of The Tempest from the RSC. This was followed by NT Live’s Saint Joan, Hedda Gabler and Twelfth Night. An impressive list of screenings are lined up for the rest of the year, including the RSC’s Rome series (Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra and Titus Adronicus) and the National Theatre’s production of the award winning Angels in America (Part I and Part II). We are also in the process of organising screenings with the English National Opera and Royal Opera House. The full line up of events at the Amey Theatre includes the Horizon lecture series, which are public talks from world renowned adventurers, about their remarkable stories of exploration and discovery. Adventurer Alastair Humphreys entertained an audience of nearly 400 people and other speakers included internationally acclaimed mountaineer Stephen Venables, leading polar explorer Pen Hadow and local adventurer Sarah Outen. For more information about upcoming live screenings and other events hosted at the Amey Theatre, please visit the Box Office at www.abingdon.org.uk/future_ events where you can also buy tickets. Independent Learning Did you Know...