“We want every child here to grow up a reader for life.”

A brand-new library has been officially opened for schoolchildren in Gosport.

The mayor of Gosport, Cllr Kristen Bradley, officially opened the library at King's Academy Rowner, with 10-year-olds Max Asumeng and Ruby Wilkins joining her to cut the ribbon in front of the whole school.

The opening coincided with the 100th birthday of Winnie-the-Pooh. The library has been designed as a destination in its own right, with pupils leaving the main school building to visit the dedicated reading space.

Mayor of Gosport Cllr Kristen Bradley, executive headteacher Georgina Mulhall, plus Ruby and Max, 10, inside the new library. | Habibur Rahman

placeholder image — Mayor of Gosport Cllr Kristen Bradley, executive headteacher Georgina Mulhall, plus Ruby and Max, 10, inside the new library. | Habibur Rahman

Executive headteacher Georgina Mulhall said the school wanted pupils to see reading as something to enjoy rather than a task.

As such, they have tried to make it as cozy an environment as possible - with a rule that students and staff alike must take their shoes off as they walk in.

Mrs Mulhall said: "Of course reading matters in every school, but we want our children to feel that it's a gift rather than a task.

"Reading unlocks the code to everything else they learn; it opens doors to new opportunities, and it lets them travel anywhere and be anyone without leaving their seat.

"Seeing how much the children already love this space has been rewarding. We want every child here to grow up a reader for life."

The new library has officially been opened at King’s Academy in Gosport. | Habibur Rahman

Ruby said books could transport readers to different places.

"Reading is like having a secret door in your head. You open a book and suddenly you're somewhere completely different," she said.

She added that cutting the ribbon in front of the school had made her nervous, but she was pleased to be involved.

Max said: "I like reading because there's always another adventure waiting in the next chapter."

From left, associate headteacher Kerry Sharpe, mayor of Gosport Kristen Bradley, executive headteahcer Georgina Mulhall, and school governor Chris Brunt, with Ruby and Max, 10, in the background. | Habibur Rahman

The project was supported by staff and members of the wider school community.

Site staff member Mr Riley spent hours decorating and building the space, while Mrs Connor organised the book collection. Mrs Hawksworth, librarian at King's Academy Bay House, also volunteered her time to advise on the project.

Gemma Stockham, from the Discovery Centre, visited to share stories with Year 3 and Year 4 pupils, while every child took part in a special craft session to mark the opening.

The library will be available to pupils at different times throughout the school day, with parent and child reading sessions also planned in the coming weeks.