With reading a huge focus in the school it was only natural that the tired library needed an uplift. Students were surveyed to find out their thoughts about the present library and what they would like to see in their perfect library. Top of the list were comfy places to read, more manga and graphic novels, a library dog and plants. Ms Milburn (our librarian) then worked with the English team to ascertain their needs and came up with a phased plan. The plan was shared with the governors who generously gave funds to allow for the bigger changes to be feasible. Ms Milburn and her team of student librarians have also been fundraising to help finance their ambitious plans. There is currently a slot on the stronger starts token scheme in Tesco Haverhill which could win the revamp up to £1500.

Students have already had the benefit of phase one of the revamp plan, which has seen the creation of a cosy reading nook and soft seating area. Phase two, set to take place over half term, will see the replacement of the old shelving units with beautiful built-in shelves and a bespoke curved bookcase for all the manga and graphic novels. Phase three has ended up overlapping phase two with the introduction of a laptop trolley with new laptops for use in library lessons or at breaktimes for catching up on homework. Also, new conference style chairs so that students can read and work in comfort. One of the more unusual requests has been answered, there are plants and other elements to bring a homely feel to the space.

What of the books? After all it isn’t a library without them! We have teamed up with Mrs Harris at Harris and Harris Bookshop in Clare to stock the library with fabulous new books, from student requests to the latest releases. The latest purchase was the books to support the Stour Valley Six reading challenge designed for years 7-10. These are now available to borrow.

The library is a hub of activity at breaktimes with games, jigsaws and construction sets available to use. There are various craft activities planned and on a Friday lunchtime the library is host to the student film society. The library really is becoming the place to be.