St Mary’s Bryanston Square School

A, small one-form entry primary school in Marylebone, London with just over 200 pupils aged 3-11 years

Summary

A major part of the schools’ improvement plan was to focus on reading and in particular reading for pleasure. Using PTA and private equity funding BookSpace worked with the school to create a bespoke school library full of colourful and creative library furniture.

Challenges

When the local public library closed down, the school’s only access to a wide selection of books went too. They had two choices. Take pupils to a public library further away meaning half a day out of school for each visit or create their own school library.

How BookSpace helped

Transformed a small room used for storage and the odd meeting into a vibrant, exciting primary school library.

Famous London landmarks were cleverly incorporated into the bespoke library shelving.

The school was keen to include a Reading Hideaway but space didn’t allow. Instead BookSpace provided a custom-made circular seat built into the feature wall.

Results

“Reading has become vocal amongst the children now” says Oliver Knight, Yr 6 teacher and library project manager.

“The children see a visit to the library as the highlight of their week!

I was determined not to have bogstandard school library furniture. My vision was for creativity and colour - BookSpace understood straight away. Their library design ideas were amazing & exactly what I was looking for.

If you want something bespoke or unique, don’t be afraid to ask. BookSpace saw the potential this small room had and have created a wonderful, vibrant school library”.