Celebration as Linby cum Papplewick Church of England Primary School opens its new library

Linby cum Papplewick Church of England Primary School have celebrated the opening of their brand-new school library.

Fundraising for the library was initially undertaken by parents and the school’s PTA, called OWLS (Our Wonderful Linby School), and was recently bolstered by an additional £1,500 donation from Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme.

Tesco’s Community Champion Haley Briggs explained, “Groups can apply to the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme for support and once we have decided on a shortlist, the public can use their shop tokens to vote for their favourite project. We are very proud to help out Linby cum Papplewick C of E Primary School, and to know that children for years to come will enjoy this library.”

Cutting the ribbon at the launch was Mr Kevin Rostance, former Hucknall district and county councillor, who said: “I have known this school for many years and was delighted to be asked to join them on this -the opening day of their new children’s library. It’s a wonderful school, and I am an enormous supporter of libraries and the promotion of reading.

"I am delighted the school has lots of new books and a vibrant and dedicated reading area for children to access high quality texts.”

Mr Rostance joined staff and children to look at some of the new library books on offer, and commented: “It’s been so nice to hear children saying that books are what they want for Christmas, and thanks to fundraising by parents and the support of Tesco’s donation to this good cause, -all children have a great new choice of books to enjoy at their school.”

Florence is a year 6 pupil and she said: “I really like the new library because children will be able to come and read all of their favourite books. It’s very bright and colourful and is much better than before. I think it will be used a lot and that’s good because when you read, your imagination grows. Also reading is good because it helps you in all of your subjects.”

Joshua is in Year 6 and is head librarian at the school, he said: “The new library is really good, and we have had quite a push to get everything ready for the open event today. As head librarian, I will make sure the library is running well, and that books are kept tidy, also there are other pupils who are librarians who will help me to do that. I think it’s a great success!”

Rachel Hodge, Co-Headteacher at Linby cum Papplewick C of E Primary School said: “The idea for this started a couple of years ago when we had several things we wanted to develop around the school. We asked children which they wanted to do first and a new library came out as the most popular choice.

“Our new library is such a lovely space, and our Site Manager, Darren Grice, has been instrumental in preparing the room and making it perfect for our children. Our school librarians also have a system to scan books in and out now, so we can keep track of them and make sure everyone has access to our lovely books. A huge thank you to all of our parents who supported our efforts with fundraising, and to Tesco for their donation, it means the world to us.”

Pupil, Dove is in Reception year and took some time to explore the new library, saying: “I like the green shelves and the books. My favourite books are the Bad-Tempered Ladybird book and What the Ladybird Heard, because that one is colourful!”