Case Studies
St Stephen’s Primary Church School
A fresh, welcoming library space where children can relax and engage in reading for pleasure.
Summary
Whilst the previous library at St Stephen’s Primary Church School was functional and loved by the pupils, it wasn’t the inspiring, inviting reading space Headteacher, Claire Taylor, wanted for their school community.
Due to its size, only small groups could visit the library at any one time and there wasn’t enough shelving to accommodate the school’s growing book collection. As a result, the school decided to relocate the library to a new space near the main reception with the aim to bring it up-to-date with modern library furniture, flexible seating, cosy reading corners and more book capacity.
Finding the right library furniture company
Teacher, Nicola Renwick, spent time researching various library design companies online and came across BookSpace’s free library design service.
“We loved the website. It was easy to navigate and access information. We explored the case studies, testimonials, library designs and library furniture. We chose three library furniture companies and invited them to visit the school and discuss the project” explains Nicola.
Objectives
The main objective for the new space was to achieve a welcoming, relaxing environment where children could develop a love of reading. The library needed to have a fresh, contemporary feel with zones for relaxed reading and group work as well as plenty of shelving to display the books.
How BookSpace helped
BookSpace designer, Michelle Tomlinson, visited St Stephen’s to discuss the project in more detail and carry out a full site survey to ensure everything would fit perfectly. After the initial design consultation, Michelle created three different designs with itemised costings.
“From beginning to end BookSpace helped turn our vision into a reality. Something we were particularly impressed by was how carefully they listened to our design brief and were able to achieve that within our budget” says Claire.
Michelle went for a fresh and modern yet relaxing colour scheme for the library. The combination of fixed wall shelving alongside free-standing furniture and curved shelving helped to create different areas for children to explore and relax with a book.
To add the ‘wow’ factor, Michelle wanted to add a statement piece which would bring excitement to the reading experience but not make it feel like a playground. The three initial library designs included a study house, amphitheatre seats and our popular Feature Walls. Having reviewed the designs and quotation, the school decided to go with our third option with a few tweaks. As a final touch, graphics were added to the Feature Wall in recognition of the school’s four core values of Love, Courage, Creativity and Joy.
The result
The library installation took place in May 2022 and also included new flooring. Many schools find it useful that our design team can make suggestions for flooring and include these in the designs, making it easier to envisage your space. We work closely with a flooring specialist who carry out their own detailed site survey and handle the removal and disposal of any existing flooring where necessary.
Since the new library opened, staff have noticed a real buzz around reading and children really look forward to their visits.
“The new space has generated a further love of reading and pupils are excited to discover lots of new books. The space can now accommodate a whole class and children enjoy spending time together talking about their book choices” says Nicola.
Interview with the pupils
Whilst we were on site taking lots of photos, we took the opportunity to have a chat with some of the pupils to find out what they had to say about their new school library. Check out the video below to see their response.
Further testimonials
“There is usually quite a buzz in the room, where the children share what they’ve found or as they pass on their recommendations. My class love the new space and describe it as, bigger, better, brighter, and more comfortable than the old library.”
Teacher
“The governors at St Stephen’s are delighted with the completed school library. It’s clear the library will help to foster a real love of reading in our children as well as providing an inspiring and peaceful environment for learning for many years to come.’
School Governors
“The children love the environment and being able to easily access the books. We finish our sessions by sitting on the carpet whilst I read a story. I think the children enjoyed the ‘cosiness’ of the experience, including not wearing their shoes!”
Teacher
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.
FREE, no obligation design service
Call 0121 246 2777