Blending Physical and Digital Libraries to Meet Students Where They Are

At Queensbridge School in South Birmingham, reading is more than just a skill—it’s a gateway to opportunity. As a mixed comprehensive with a vibrant and diverse student population, the school is committed to ensuring every student has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background.

That’s why school librarian Mrs. Caroline Chilton and whole school reading lead Mrs. Alice Paetel have taken reading to the next level by integrating Sora, the student reading platform from OverDrive, alongside Secondary Ebooks NOW, a carefully curated collection of digital books shared across participating secondary schools.

Tackling Reading Challenges Head-On

Before Sora, there were some big hurdles. Many students didn’t have books at home, and engaging reluctant readers was a challenge. The school wanted a modern, inclusive approach that fit seamlessly into students’ tech-driven lives.

Enter Sora. Now, students have more access to books that match their interests and needs. Over 300 students at Queensbridge use Sora to personalize their reading experience—whether they’re choosing books based on topic, format, or even mood! Plus, the built-in reward-based tracking system in Sora makes reading even more exciting. And the best part? Sora works on both school and personal devices, meaning students can read anytime, anywhere, in ebook or audiobook format.

Digital Reading = More Engagement!

Let’s talk about graphic novels and magazines—two formats that have transformed reading at Queensbridge. Graphic novels can be pricey, so Mrs. Chilton came up with a plan: she buys the first few copies of a series in print, then directs students to Sora to finish the rest. Once they’re in, they start discovering even more amazing titles, keeping them hooked on reading.

Bringing Sora Into the Classroom

Sora isn’t just for students—it’s a hit with teachers too! “Sora has been a fantastic tool for staff, whether they’re reading for themselves or using extracts in lessons,” says Chilton. The introduction of digital magazines has also been a game-changer, especially in Disciplinary Literacy training across the curriculum.

Creative Ways to Keep Students Reading

Chilton and Paetel have gone above and beyond to make reading exciting with Sora:

  • Sora Book Club, where students come together to discuss their favorite reads.
  • Dedicated Sora tablets in the library, making it easy for students to dive into a book during free periods.
  • DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) sessions, where students spend 30 minutes a week enjoying a book, often with audiobooks playing in the background.
  • BookTok-inspired displays, showcasing books trending on TikTok that students can find in Sora.

What’s the Verdict?

Students and staff love Sora. It played a huge role during remote learning, and even now, usage remains strong without affecting physical book lending rates. Queensbridge School proves that traditional and digital reading can go hand in hand, creating a well-rounded reading culture that supports academic success and lifelong learning.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about how Sora can make a difference at your school, reach out to our global team at discoversora.com/global!