SCHOOL ANNOUNCES MAJOR INVESTMENT IN NEW LIBRARY
20th February 2009
Staff and pupils at a leading independent prep school are set to benefit from a £30,000 investment to create a new library.
Plans to redevelop and refurbish the existing library at Belmont Grosvenor School have been unveiled, with work on the scheme to begin in April.
Proposals for the project include a major investment in new books, the creation of new solid ash shelving units, the installation of a new six-station computer facility and the provision of floor storage book boxes.
Children at the school, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, have been involved in drawing up plans for the new library, which will transform Belmont Grosvenor’s current facility.
Deputy Headteacher Rebecca Riddell said work on the £30,000 project would start during the Easter holidays – and be completed in time for the start of the summer term.
“We are going to be providing a traditional library, but with a modern twist. We are aiming to create an environment to promote reading, and the love of books.
“Once the refurbishment is complete, we are sure the library will become a place our children will actively seek out and want to visit, to take out books, hear stories being read and spend time in,” she said.
Money for the project has been raised by members of Belmont Grosvenor’s Parent Teacher Association, as well from as a contribution from school funds.
New state-of-the-art technology will allow children to scan their thumb prints to take out books – and the new library will also be the focus for the school’s book clubs, as well as regular book fairs, storytime activities and readathons.
As well as being used by the children, the library will also be used as a formal reception room for the school.
Belmont Grosvenor Headteacher Jane Merriman said: “Many schools these days are moving towards a modern learning resource centre but here at Belmont Grosvenor we still see the importance of a library and value traditional reading activities and books.
“But our new library will strike the right balance between tradition and modern, combining books with the latest up-to-date technology and software.”
Charlie Brooksbank, Chairman of the PTA, said: “The school has already implemented a very exciting action plan involving activities within the library. The main aim of this is to raise the profile and increase the enjoyment of individual and shared reading.
“I am so proud that the PTA is involved in this specific project and therefore assisting the school at such a relevant time,” she said.
The refurbishment of the library at Belmont Grosvenor School, which celebrated its centenary last year, is part of an on-going programme of improvements and investments at the co-educational school, on the outskirts of Harrogate.
Last year, former pupil and Olympic Gold Medallist Andrew Hodge returned to Belmont Grosvenor to open a new £35,000 outdoor classroom, amphitheatre and adventure trail.
The school, which also runs the Magic Tree Day Care Nursery on site, caters for children aged 3 months to 11. Pupils achieve well above National standards in KS1 and KS2 tests, and academic, music and art scholarships to secondary schools are common.
