South Australian Author, Colin Thiele (1920 - 2006) Opening Thiele Library 10 May 1989

“The essential fact is that whatever the terminology, a library deals with language, ideas and enriches our lives and that’s why a library like this will be the heart of the school, always will be.” 
- Colin Thiele AC (at the Thiele Library Opening 10 May 1989)



About Thiele Library

Thiele Library is the central learning hub at Golden Grove High School, fostering literacy, inquiry, creativity, and personal growth. Officially opened in 1989 by renowned author Colin Thiele, it was historically shared with Gleeson College and Pedare Christian College. After renovations in 2018, it now serves exclusively Golden Grove High School students, providing inclusive environments to prepare them for lifelong learning and success.
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The library aligns with the South Australian Curriculum Framework, SACE requirements, and School-wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL), ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. Staffed by qualified professionals, Thiele Library promotes:

• Access to curated physical and digital resources.
• Inquiry-based learning and collaboration.
• Development of critical thinking, digital literacy, and social wellbeing.

Purpose
​Thiele Library serves as a vital resource supporting both students and teachers to achieve their best outcomes. Our key purposes includes:
Empowering students: Cultivating independent learning, fostering critical inquiry, and promoting a lifelong love of reading by ensuring access to high-quality resources.
Supporting teachers: Enhancing lesson preparation, facilitating assessment creation, and providing reliable teaching materials to reduce workload and enrich classroom experiences.
Promoting digital literacy: Guiding students to critically evaluate online sources, use technology effectively, and establish positive digital footprints.
Creating inclusive learning spaces: Supporting diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring equitable access for all members of the school community.
Fostering wellbeing: Embedding Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) principles to encourage positive behaviours, safe environments, and supportive learning experiences.
Our Collection
Thiele Library maintains a diverse collection that supports academic and personal development through alignment with curriculum and differentiation principles.

Resources Provided

• Physical Items: Fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, biographies, magazines, and reference materials. The library also manages the adjacent Book Room for class novels, textbooks, and essential equipment such as calculators and IT tools.
• Digital Tools:
  • Wheeler’s ePlatform for eBooks and audiobooks.
  • World Book Online for research and reference needs.
  • ClickView for multimedia content fostering creative and inquiry-based learning.
• Inclusivity: Materials adapt in content, process, product, and environment to meet student and whole-class needs.

Quality Assurance

• Regular Reviews: Resources are assessed periodically to ensure alignment with curriculum objectives, student interests, and emerging trends.
• Withdrawal Process: Outdated or damaged resources are removed to maintain an engaging collection relevant to student needs.

Access and Use
Thiele Library ensures equitable access for all in our schools' community:

• Borrowing:
  • Physical resources have a 4-week loan period, renewable upon request.
  • Digital tools (eBooks, audiobooks) are loaned for 2 weeks, with one renewal.
  • Equipment, such as IT tools and audio recorders, is available for 1-day loans.
• Digital and Account Access: Students can log in via Single-Sign-On Edpass or seek assistance from library staff.

Physical and Digital SpacesThiele Library provides spaces that encourage collaboration, reflection, and inquiry:

• Quiet Reading Areas: Spaces designed for literacy, focus, and reflective learning.
• Breakout Rooms: Adaptable zones for group collaboration, teamwork, and project work.
• Technology-Infused Lecture Room: Equipped with tiered seating and a digital projector for classroom presentations, explicit teaching, and student projects.
• Wide Digital Access: Extending learning beyond the library with platforms such as World Book Online, ClickView, and Wheeler’s ePlatform.

Support and Engagement
Thiele Library is staffed by a qualified Teacher Librarian and skilled team who:

• Collaborate with teachers to align lessons, assessments, and resources with the South Australian Curriculum Framework and SACE requirements.
• Promote a rich reading culture, fostering inquiry-based learning and digital literacy.
• Reduce teacher workload by curating high-quality resources and assisting with lesson design.
• Create safe, inclusive environments that embed PBL principles to support both student engagement and teacher wellbeing.

Review and Evaluation
Thiele Library regularly reviews its policies, collections, and spaces to ensure alignment with:

• Curriculum and SACE updates.
• School priorities and community feedback.
• Technological changes and emerging educational trends.

Connection to School Values
Thiele Library embodies Golden Grove High School’s values of Respect, Equality, Pride, Integrity, and Resilience, incorporating these principles into its services and resources. By fostering a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and lifelong learning, Thiele Library aims to prepare students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.


Opening hours are from 8.15 am to 4.00 pm (Monday to Friday) during the school terms.

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