Young readers thrilled with new school library

Young readers in Whitley Bay were thrilled when their primary school opened the doors to its new library.

Star of the Sea, a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, converted its former computer suite to make the new facility which now houses more than 1,000 books.

English lead at the school, Clare Taylor, said: “The new library is part of the original building that has been refurbished, and is a fabulous new resource for us. Classes can go to the library for story time, and children are encouraged to borrow books.

“Although it’s a small room, it’s very well stocked, with a wide range of books, mostly fiction, suitable for children from nursery to Year 6.”

She continued: “Previously we did not have a library room, and reading books were in the classrooms. It took two or three months to organise – buying new shelving and liaising with the schools library service.

“The furniture came out of school funds, with books from the schools library service and donations from the children, who were asked to give a book and were given bookplates to show who had donated them.”

Use of the new facilities is shared between the school’s 370 pupils, she added, with a timetable in the library allowing classes to book the space.

“It is lovely to have so many books to choose from to read with the children or for them to borrow. The children love it – they enjoy going to the library and having story time and choosing a book.

“It is hugely important to have a good range of books, so that all children can find books that are suited to their interests, to promote a life-long love of reading.”

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