‘Cause for celebration’ at Hanging Heaton school as children’s author officially opens new library
A school’s new library was officially opened by two special guests last week.
Children’s author, Kate Pankhurst, and West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, cut the ribbon at the opening of the Hanging Heaton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School new, library last Thursday.
The launch is part of the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Books’ Libraries for Primaries campaign, with funding also coming from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and The Julia Rausing Trust. It will see over 25,000 children across West Yorkshire benefit from new school libraries this year.
Author and illustrator Kate led a special workshop that celebrated the journeys reading for pleasure can take people. , while the mayor was given a tour of the new library by pupil librarians who have been supported by the programme to inspire their peers to discover the joy of reading.
The new library has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space at the heart of the school, and is now home to 500 brand new books, comics and audiobooks spanning a rich variety of genres, interests and experiences ensuring there is something to inspire every child.
Sally Caspell, headteacher at Hanging Heaton, said: “Our children are so excited to have this special area in school. They are already making great use of the library and thoroughly enjoying the dedicated time they spend there.
“We have also been fortunate to have the support of one of our parent volunteers, who painted a beautiful mural that has made the space even more welcoming and inspiring.
“We are immensely grateful for the books and furniture we received through the programme and look forward to seeing the library continue to grow as a hub for reading, learning and community engagement.”
Ms Brabin said: “I’m really pleased to be working with the National Literacy Trust to provide these spaces for children across our region to give them the best start in life and deliver a stronger, better off West Yorkshire for all.”
Kate Pankhurst added: “Every child deserves access to a library filled with wonder and possibility - a new library is a definite cause for celebration!”
Libraries for Primaries has worked with 86 primary schools in West Yorkshire, including 19 in Kirklees, which will result in over 25,000 children having the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of reading.