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Harrogate primary school unveils brand new library

Tuesday, 20 February 2024 02:00

St Peter's CE Primary school in Harrogate has this term unveiled its brand-new library, giving children a newly designed space to read.

Harrogate primary school unveils brand new library St Peter's CE Primary school in Harrogate has this term unveiled its brand-new library, giving children a newly designed space to read. The library has been created thanks to funds raised by the school’s PTA, Friends of St Peter’s (FOSP) and a grant from local charity the Johnson and Mukherjee Trust. The library space includes natural Robinia wood shelving, seating spaces and a boat where children can sail into their literary adventures. St Peter’s worked with local company Playscheme to develop the design, reflecting the natural materials already used in the school’s newly refurbished outdoor spaces. Mr Paul Griffiths, Headteacher at St Peter’s CE Primary School, said

“Reading from physical books in an inspiring environment is incredibly important to us all St Peter’s. "It is at the heart of our focus on enabling children to become fluent confident lifelong readers, giving them access to all the wonderful opportunities available to them now and in the future. "That’s why we are we are truly delighted to have been able to provide such a wonderful child friendly and exciting space within our school."
Mr Griffiths added:
"We are blessed to have proactive and generous parent and wider community who actively support our aspirational projects. "We are also incredibly grateful to the Johnson and Mukherjee Trust who supported this project with a very generous grant. "Without these funds, projects such as this are simply not possible. “
Wish list To celebrate the opening of the new library, the school and FOSP have launched a ‘wish list’ campaign in partnership with local independent bookshop Imagined Things which aims to restock the school library with additional books. Anyone can support St Peter’s and its children by stopping by Imagined Things Bookshop on Montpellier Parade to buy a book of their choice that will be placed in the new library, including a personalised note if they wish. Debbie Phillips, Manager & School’s Co-ordinator from Imagined Things Book shop Harrogate, said:
“We love partnering with local schools and encouraging that love for reading within their communities. We’re so excited by St Peter’s new library and can’t wait to help fill it with new books!”
The children are thoroughly enjoying using the new space. One child said:
“I absolutely love our new library. The boat is great. "It’s a lovely snug space to curl up and enjoy a book. “It’s amazing, it even smells new.”
St Peter’s is a member of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust and has been working closely with the trust team to care for and improve the iconic Victorian building which now houses the school. It was formally home to Harrogate Hospital. St Peter’s is now looking at plans to further develop its nurture space, known to the children and families at ‘The Nest’, into an equally welcoming and inspiring space. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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