OPEN: Children at Wibsey Primary School got to see their new library facilities for the first time earlier this week (pictured, l-r) Suleiman Faisal, Laura Heaton and Afraha Ahmed
OPEN: Children at Wibsey Primary School got to see their new library facilities for the first time earlier this week (pictured, l-r) Suleiman Faisal, Laura Heaton and Afraha Ahmed

New library brings thousands of new books to primary school

STUDY: The new learning space brings more than 2,000 books to the school
STUDY: The new learning space brings more than 2,000 books to the school

A new chapter in the history of a Bradford Primary School has begun this week with the official launch of their new interactive learning environment.

Wibsey Primary School officially opened its new state-of-the-art library on Thursday 18th June, with special guest, Danny Mylo – of Pulse Radio, on hand to cut the ribbon.

Joined by Headteacher Nigel Cooper, staff, students, trustees and even Blue Bookstart Bear, the event gave everyone a chance to explore the new facilities.

The library sits alongside a new computer suite on a newly-created floor reached by an open stairway and completes an extensive re-modelling programme at the school over the past few years.

Two-thousand new books have been bought to add to those already in use in the library. In addition, a computerised lending system, which allows each pupil to have their own electronic library card, has been installed.

There is also new shelving and seating, including book cases shaped like VW Campervans, and an impressive learning area featuring images of some of Bradford’s most iconic landmarks.

Headteacher, Nigel Cooper, explained how proud he was to see the school continue to offer up a 21st century environment for pupils.

“We are really excited about the new library and are very pleased that Danny Mylo came down to officially open it. The library, with the wider choice of books, along with the computer suite, provides a colourful and exciting learning environment for the children.

“The whole school, both inside and out, has changed beyond recognition in the past few years.

WELCOME: Resource and event manager at Wibsey Primary, Christine Thwaite, said the new library gave children a ‘greater access’ to learning
WELCOME: Resource and event manager at Wibsey Primary, Christine Thwaite, said the new library gave children a ‘greater access’ to learning

“The building itself is over 100 years old, but inside it looks and feels colourful, bright and welcoming – very 21st century. We are all very proud of our school.”

Christine Thwaite, resource and event manager at Wibsey Primary, added that it was great to finally open up the newest addition to the school.

“We have over 700 pupils here so a library such as this is brilliant to ensure every child has access to these books,” she said.

READING: The library was officially opened on Thursday 18th June
READING: The library was officially opened on Thursday 18th June

“Rather than just looking at this space as ‘books on a shelf’ we have made the area into an interactive library where pupils can come and learn in a way that they may not have been able to do so before.”

Parents also got their chance to see the new learning space later in the afternoon on Thursday as they pick their children up from school.