or call 020 7404 3400
or call 020 7404 3400
We launched our Inspiring Libraries Competition last year. And, following the huge success of last year’s competition, we’re back!
One lucky school will win a library worth £20,000. This includes books, furniture and a bespoke literacy Wall Art project.
Find out all you need to know, and how to enter, below…
It’s a random prize draw open to all UK schools. All you need to do is complete the short entry form and we’ll add you into the prize draw pot!
The competition runs until the end of the year. After that, we’ll pick a school at random from all the entries. That school will win a fully kitted out library.
The prize includes;
We work with organisations like BBC, BookTrust and The Reading Agency. Their campaigns aim to encourage reading for pleasure, as it is the most effective way to improve literacy.
BookTrust states that children who read for pleasure are happier and healthier. And, they achieve better learning outcomes too. So it’s our aim to get pupils reading and, most importantly, enjoying the life-changing magic that books can offer.
Cressida Cowell, author of ‘How to Train your Dragon’, explains; “People assume that all primary schools have libraries. And that those are well stocked and resourced. But this is simply not the case.
One in four primary schools in disadvantaged areas have no library space at all.
How can a child become a reader for pleasure if their parents or carers cannot afford books, and their primary school has no library, or that library is woefully insufficient?“.
(Source: BookTrust lifechanging libraries report).
BookTrust adds to this, saying, “A school library is so much more than an educational space. Good school libraries generate an excitement around literature and facilitate a lifelong love of reading.
Reading enjoyment is important; OECD research shows that it is the single most important indicator of a child’s future success.
Ofsted has also recognised the vital role that reading for pleasure plays in improving literacy levels. Investing in libraries is investing in children’s futures.”
(Source: BookTrust lifechanging libraries report).
There are loads of ways to enhance your school library and create a magical reading space. First, think about the visual environment. Dull, white walls and bright lights do not make for a cosy reading space! Instead, you can use Wall Art to transform the space. Fairy lights, muted colours, an interesting backdrop and yellow hued light bulbs can further add to the ambience.
Ensure you have a wide range of books from diverse authors of every background, ethnicity, ability and walk of life. Showcase books that feature stories and characters all pupils can relate to.
Furniture and furnishings are important too. You’ll need a cosy and comfortable space that pupils choose to visit. Cushions, beanbags and armchairs are more appealing than hard chairs. If you’re able to create any secluded reading nooks, using tents or dividers, even better!
William Murdoch Primary School won last year’s Inspiring Libraries Competition. This wonderful school is based in Birmingham and offers a rich learning environment for pupils.
Upon selecting them as the winning school, we immediately got in touch to tell them the good news. We visited the school in-person to chat through the prize and explain how the process would work. It was our job to guide them through the design phase to ensure they got the best end result. The school opted for an enchanted woodland backdrop for their library. This would create a sense of escapism from the ordinary to pique pupils’ curiosity. We featured inspiring local heroes and dreamy quotes to bring the design to life.
The end result is simply stunning. And we’re certain that pupils will spend a great deal of time in their beautiful school library.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the transformation of our school library. The Wall Art has turned the space into something truly magical.
Our children often say they feel transported into a different world as soon as they step inside. There’s a real buzz of excitement around the library, and everyone looks forward to their turn each week.
The design team were outstanding, creative, professional, and genuinely collaborative. They listened carefully to our ideas and worked with us every step of the way to bring this vision to life.
The result is a vibrant, inspiring environment that encourages imagination, curiosity, and a love of reading.” – William Murdoch Primary School
Complete the short entry form and submit. We’ll then add you to the random draw to win a school library.
If you don’t have an existing library, you can still enter! We’ll help you designate an area of your school as a reading space. This could be a disused classroom, quiet corner, corridor or studio.
We’ll visit your school to understand your goals, explain our process and provide you with a no-obligation quote.
