An extraordinary, magical library has opened at a York Junior school, thanks to the fundraising efforts and generosity of its community.
Bookend Cottage, which can be found at Carr Junior School in Acomb, provides an enchanting, serene space where children can lose themselves in the power of a good book – and all within a converted London bus!
The project to create Bookend Cottage kicked off in 2021 when the school community had grown so much that their original library often had to double up as a classroom; staff and pupils really needed a dedicated library space.
The team at Carr Junior put in a bid to the Aviva Community Fund in May 2021. The Carr community rose to the challenge, raising an incredible £10,000 in just five weeks. The crowdfunding initiative then went from strength to strength, with the school raising £40,000 by July 2023.
Vicki Kerr, Headteacher at Carr Junior School said “Our school lies in an area where deprivation is growing year on year and is greater than the city as a whole. Before we had Bookend Cottage, many of our children were unable to access books of adequate quality, nor a quiet space to read. Our library now provides both. It offers an abundance of literacy treasures, encouraging parents and carers to spend time reading to and with their children.
“Bookend Cottage’s striking exterior entices children in, and once inside, we have created an enchanting ambiance akin to the worlds and lands of the very books in which our pupils become immersed. We really hope the fantasy and intrigue sparks the inception of a lifelong love of reading.
“I am hugely grateful to our local and wider community for all their incredible and generous donations. I’d also like to thank many local companies who have supported us. Bookend would not have become a reality without the Unconventional Designs team, who helped to make Bookend Cottage a reality with their design, build and project management.”
Kate Smithson, Chair of Governors at Carr Junior School, added “It is wonderful to see Bookend Cottage come to fruition. The children are so excited to use this fabulous new space where they feel like they are entering a world of intrigue and fantasy!”
“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this project possible – it is an amazing example of true community spirit.”
Whilst pupils have access to an abundance of remarkable reads within the facility, the school is striving to grow the catalogue of books even further. They would be delighted should anyone wish to buy them a book and currently have an Amazon wishlist where the children have chosen titles they’d most enjoy at https://amzn.eu/9JJu0KR. The wishlist can also be reached by scanning the QR code.
Carr Junior School is part of the South Bank Multi Academy Trust alongside Millthorpe School, York High School, Scarcroft Primary School, Knavesmire Primary and Woodthorpe Primary.
30 January 2024
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