Initially, the focus on reading for pleasure and the desire for a library upgrade to help boost this initiative came from Mr Jordan. However, as you know, this is a school where children’s voices truly count, and so the whole school was invited to think about what they really wanted for the ultimate reading space.

Mr Jordan explained, “I know from my previous school the positive impact of instilling reading for pleasure at an early age. It has so many benefits as it naturally helps to widen vocabulary and introduces different sentence structures. It’s a subtle way of understanding grammar and developing language skills as well as stimulating imagination and cognitive skills. It is also a powerful tool for introducing different perspectives - and that is great in helping children to learn empathy and a better understanding of each other and the world around them.”

The excitement of designing a new library was the perfect way to ramp up lively discussions around reading and books. Various designs and ideas were discussed before the theme of the Olive Tree, the symbol of peace, prosperity and longevity and the origin of the school’s name was chosen.

We enlisted the support of a local company, Funky Furniture, which really brought the concept to life. Designed to set the pleasures of reading alight and make books even more accessible throughout the school day, this purposeful space, complete with sheltered cosy corners and fun spots, comfy seating and the amazing tree house, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a good book.

Our long-serving teaching assistant and school Librarian, Dina Campbell said “We always had a good library here at Zaytona with plenty of variety and age-appropriate books, but it didn’t really have the wow factor or encourage children who weren’t lovers of books to spend too much time here, unless it was timetabled. Now this magical space is so inviting it’s suddenly very popular! We were also excited to be gifted a large replenishment of books, as well as many items of furniture, by the wonderful BookMark Reading Charity.

Year 6 Librarians Anaya and Renaz are part of the team elected to help Mrs Campbell.

Anaya said “I love to read and that is why I wanted to be a librarian, so I could spend time here and get to see the new books as they come in. My favourite author is Roald Dahl. He is really good. I love how he brings his stories to life and really like the characters.”

Renaz said “I wasn’t really into reading for fun, but I do like to organise things, and I was interested to be involved in that part. Since then, I have become more interested in books and have found an author that I really like. Her name is Jaqualine Wilson. I can really relate to those stories and some of the things she talks about are things that we experience as girls growing up. So, yes, this space has really introduced books in a different way to me.”

Deputy Youth Mayor, Maryam Riaz was delighted to be here and said “This project has provided a wealth of positive experiences for our children. When children feel they belong, that they count and their voices are heard, they realise they can be whatever they want to be – there’s no limit on where their dreams and ambitions can take them in life and they can also be agents of change. Today has been an uplifting experience for all of us, and our library will benefit many, many more children and adults in the future.”