A little outdoor library is proving a popular pastime for children at St Nicholas at Wade CE Primary.
Sited on a playground wall, the book box encourages pupils to continue the school’s literacy drive of Every Child’s A Reader.
Constructed by grandad Joe, whose grandchildren Eden and Jude are pupils, the weatherproof unit has two shelves ideal for take books of varying sizes.
Head Teacher Taralee Kennedy said: “The top shelf is for taller people and the lower shelf is for little ones. Our message is – feel free to add and take books.
“Huge thanks go to Grandad Joe who used his creative skills to design and build the little library- what a kind and generous thing to do. I am looking forward to seeing lots of book swaps as everyone explores the joy of reading.”
Mrs Kennedy believes that the book box will be an excellent addition to the school’s ongoing aim to encourage more reading among.
She said: “This little library will also provide different stories for our pupils to read through the swap system which will be monitored regularly by staff. It is already popular and it is lovely to see our young readers excited to get their hands on books that are new to them.”
The outdoor library will encourage reading beyond the classroom – outdoor reading spaces are becoming increasingly popular as they help pupils develop a love of reading while enjoying fresh air and nature. A dedicated outdoor book library allows teachers to create simple playground reading corners, forest school storytelling areas or quiet zones where pupils can explore books independently.
