New chapter for schools
Kids cut the ribbon on shared campus library
Young bookworms can escape to the land of make believe now that they have their very own library space.
Pupils at St David’s and Cochrane Castle primary school unveiled the brand new reading area inside the West Johnstone shared campus last week.
Coined Dream Island by the youngsters, the library – which is filled with comfortable bean bags, sofas and reading zones, as well as an abundance of shiny new books – is the perfect sanctuary in which kids can get lost in a good story.
Over 100 parents turned up for the grand launch, which celebrated the new space and highlighted the importance of reading.
There was an assembly, at which pupils from both schools sang an ode to books for mums and dads and Cian Thomson, from St David’s, recited a blessing prayer outside the new library.
Pupils Alexander Grant, of St David’s, and Sophie McGuire, from Cochrane Castle Primary, then had the honour of snipping the ribbon on the library door alongside primary one teacher Stephanie MacKenzie, declaring the official opening of Dream Island.
Ms MacKenzie, who is also the literacy champion for St David’s Primary school, was responsible for the creation of the library.
She was inspired to transform an empty, unused space on the campus into a shared library to raise the profile of reading.
She said: “There’s a big drive from Strathclyde University and Renfrewshire Council to get more kids reading and improve their acessibility to books, in order to develop their cognitive abilities and literacy skills.
“I wanted to create the library so that we could give the children the opportunity to go and take out more books and just generally encourage reading.
“I’m delighted that we were able to facilitate the creation of this space and the turn out at the launch was fantastic.”
The well- lit, fully furnished library is sectioned into reading zones with age appropriate books for kids of all stages.
There is also an outdoor reading garden area for youngsters to enjoy stories whilst playing outside.
Pupils will now have library visits and reading scheduled into their school timetable.
Ms MacKenzie added: “The kids have been so excited about the library throughout the whole process and they’re just as enthusiastic now that it’s open.
“They’re fascinated and excited by all the books as there are some they can read now that they’ve never seen before.
“It’s great to see them enjoying the space. Many just want to stay in there and read all day.”