Greenbank Primary School, based in Mossley Hill, officially opened its new library on Friday 8 December.
The dedicated facility will offer the school’s Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils the opportunity to develop their abilities and passion for reading in a tranquil space.
Greenbank Councillors Laura Robertson-Collins and James Roberts officiated proceedings along with Andy Jones, who designed the library.
Andy, Programme Lead for Graphic Art at Hugh Baird University Centre, was keen for the pupils to have ownership of the space and every child was included in the design consultation.
Andy said: “We have used muted tones throughout so that the surroundings don’t distract the children when they are learning to read. The only pops of colour are from the books which aren’t in racks and are clearly displayed on shelves or in baskets – this allows pupils to easily identify them.
“There are no table and chairs as we didn’t want to just replicate a classroom, so the children can use the bean bags or sit comfortably on the floor. In the corner there is a pretend tree which creates a hub for everyone to gather around. It can even be decorated according to the season, for example, cotton wool could be put on the branches to imitate snow.”
The children’s involvement didn’t just stop at the design, as pupils and their families have been encouraged to donate and share their favourite story books suitable for Early Years and Key Stage 1.
Six-year-old Lucas Hampton said: “Now that I am older, I have given the new library some of my books that I used to read. I’m happy that others can now enjoy them.”
The library will also be used by volunteers, made up of former teachers and members of the church, who regularly help the children with their reading. Sylvia Joynson worked at the school for 33 years as a Lollypop Lady until she retired 12 months ago; unable to keep away, she now comes in two afternoons a week to assist the pupils.
For some children at Greenbank Primary School, English isn’t their first language and the new library will allow these pupils to learn and progress in a relaxed environment.
Debra Wrigley, Head Teacher at Greenbank Primary School, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to open our new library for Early Years and Key Stage 1 groups. It was important that we took on-board all the pupils’ suggestions made at the design consultation – although we had to draw the line at the Costa Coffee idea!
“We actively encourage the children at Greenbank School to read for pleasure and our aim is to instil a love of reading so that our pupils become readers for life. In 2016, we were awarded the Liverpool Gold Reading Quality Mark in recognition of our hard work to promote reading for pleasure.
“The teaching team receive regular training so that they can inspire the classes, but it doesn’t just stop at staff, 20 of our Year 5 and 6 pupils have received extensive training from the Reader Organisation and are now Reading Revolutionaries. The Revolutionaries are paired with a Year 1 buddy and they meet weekly to share quality texts to encourage a love of reading. It really is fantastic to see.”
Greenbank is a culturally mixed community primary school based in Mossley Hill, South Liverpool. It has over 450 pupils and operates a two-form entry system for children aged 3-11 years.
The school’s aim is to provide a learning environment where all children can achieve their highest potential and to foster a climate where all children, regardless of class, race, gender or disability feel secure and can grow in confidence and self-esteem.
For more information about Greenbank Primary School, visit: www.greenbank-primary.co.uk