At Gorebridge Primary School, we believe that a love of reading starts with having a space that inspires curiosity, imagination and comfort. Over the past year, the PTA, working closely with Mrs Laidlaw and after consulting with the pupils themselves, has been busy transforming the school’s Expressive Arts/Library room into just that – a welcoming haven for reading and creativity.
The project began with a major clear-out. PTA members volunteered countless hours sorting through the existing book collection, deciding what to keep and what had reached the end of its life. Among the discoveries were some real blasts from the past – including books that originally came with VHS tapes! Once the collection had been refreshed, the remaining books were reorganised into an easy-to-browse system to help pupils find something that sparks their interest.
Before…
But the changes didn’t stop with the books. Thanks to over £4,000 of financial support from the PTA, the room itself received a full refresh. New furnishings and equipment have helped completely transform the space. The library is now beautifully decorated in a jungle theme, with comfy sofas, cosy reading nooks, and welcoming spaces that invite children to settle in with a good book. It’s a bright, warm and inspiring environment that really lifts the whole room.
During…
The new library was ready in time for its official reopening on Thursday 20 November as part of Book Week, giving pupils the chance to celebrate reading in their brand-new space.
The work hasn’t stopped there. PTA members continue to help with ongoing maintenance and organisation, regularly tidying the space and creating topic-based book displays that change throughout the year to spark pupils’ curiosity and encourage them to discover something new.
After…
This transformation simply wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers. Thank you to all the PTA members who have given their time and energy to this project, and to everyone who has supported our fundraising events that made the improvements possible in the first place.
Together, we’ve helped create a space where our children can relax, explore, and fall in love with reading. 📚🌿
