Flood letter gets brilliant reply from author
A STUDENT who wrote to one of her favourite authors highlighting the plight of her flooded school library was delighted to be sent signed copies of the writer’s books.
Freezing weather during the winter caused a pipe to burst in the library of Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form centre saw a ceiling collapse causing devastation.
The popular learning space has been left unusable until repairs, which could take months, can be carried out.
Gutted by the damage caused, year eight pupil Erin Wassell sent a letter to Abi Elphinstone, author of books which include The Dream Snatcher, The Shadow Keeper, and The Night Spinner.
A budding writer herself, Erin had previously written to Abi sending a short story.
But on hearing of the school library’s plight, Abi sent signed copies of her books to cheer up all those left devastated by the flood.
Becki Crisp, librarian at Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form centre, said: “Erin has sort of built up a correspondence with Abi so when we had a really awful flood in the library she (Erin) wrote and told her and got a lovely response back saying let me have the name of the librarian and I’ll send some signed copies.
“What a star she (Erin) is to show that sort of empathy for the library.”
Becki was made aware of the flood following the freezing spell on Sunday March 18.
She only realised the scale of the devastation when arriving for work on the Monday.
She said: “When I came in I saw the full effect of what had happened, I was absolutely distraught
“It’s not going to be a quick job, we’re talking a matter of months.
“We’re hoping to get a temporary space to carry on.
“We work hard to create a reading culture in the school and a lot of students miss having that space.
“I’ve had students bringing in books to help which shows how important the library is to them.”
For now, plans are afoot to recreate the space and it is hoped pupils can be involved in the process.
Becki said: “One thing we’re doing while it’s closed is to set up a competition to design the library space, how the students would like it to look, what colours and desks should be used and to think about what the library means to them,
“When it is finished they will have ownership of that space.”
Upon completion, Abi’s donation will remain with library.
Becki added: “They will be in the library for the students to read them and enjoy them. It would be nice to have a display and some information about Abi.
“I would love to invite her to the school, maybe when the library is refurbished.” kind the