Case Studies
Rosecliffe Spencer Academy
“We’ve had fantastic feedback from the children. They absolutely love the space, especially the hideyhole and storytelling chair!”
Kirstie Mann.
Teacher.
Creating a library that showcases how valued reading is within the school.
The vision
As a brand-new school, Headteacher, Mrs Chandhoke wanted to create a library that would instil a strong reading culture in the school for years to come. Working closely with teacher, Kirstie Mann, they both shared a similar vision for the new school and their library. “As a school we want reading to be at the centre of everything we do. We want to give the children somewhere that shows how valued reading is within our school community.”
How the school approached designing their library
Being a new build school, the library was a blank canvas which enabled staff to start from scratch, discuss exactly what they wanted and shape their dream library. To begin with, they started off thinking about the physical space which comprised two separate rooms adjacent to one another. Although this seemed like a challenge at first, they decided to use this to create different zones within the space.
Finding a library design specialist
The design process
BookSpace were asked to create three different design layouts, each one taking a slightly different approach to the space and the two zones:
- Separate fiction and non-fiction areas
2) Separate areas for KS1 and KS2
3) A shared reading space with amphitheatre style seating/KS1 books and separate KS2 zone with curved shelving
For each project, the BookSpace design team supplies a range of high-quality layout options along with a fully-itemised quotation and detailed book capacity. What’s more, the designs are presented on moodboards with fabric and laminate samples so customers can see the colour options and quality for themselves. Over the years, we’ve been told how useful these boards are for showing governors, PTA, parents, student council and to support fund-raising initiatives.
“Having different design options was a huge benefit” says Kirstie. “When we received the boards, we were able to show colleagues and mix and match elements from different options.”
In the final design, the smaller space featured a cosy reading area with our Storytelling Chair, designed to create a focal point for storytime, at one end and the KS1 shelving at the other. The more open plan space was used for KS2 with curved bookcases and plenty of display book shelves.
The result
“The library installation was a simple process and I was amazed at how quick and efficient it was!” Following the fit-out, it was Kirstie’s job over the next few weeks to stock the shelves with books and get everything ready for the launch. “I’m really pleased with the quality. I’ve been putting books away, moving shelves and can see the furniture is really well built. The library signage has been particularly useful to help children find their way around”
To give every child the opportunity to access books and reading, every class now has a morning or afternoon dedicated to visiting the library, giving them plenty of time to browse the books, explore new genres and make recommendations to their peers. In addition, staff have also set up an after-school library club and appointed librarians from Year 5 to give some responsibility and ownership to the children.
“We’ve had fantastic feedback from the children. They absolutely love the space, especially the hideyhole and storytelling chair!”
Staff are also getting involved and working hard to promote a love of reading across the school. Teachers at Rosecliffe Spencer Academy are using the Me-to-You board in the library to share their own reading experiences and recommendations.
This has proven an effective way to get children talking about books and encourages them to share their own experiences, thoughts and emotions.
“We want reading to be at the centre of everything we do”
At BookSpace, we have a range of special reading features like the Me-to-You board, all designed to generate a conversation around reading in a fun and positive way. Find out more here.
Library Design Service
At BookSpace we love helping to design reading spaces no matter how large or small. Our experienced team of designers, in-depth knowledge of primary schools and superb range of contemporary school library furniture combine to ensure that BookSpace is the ideal choice.
Whatever the size and shape of your space, whichever the year group taught, we can create your dream school library.
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