Pupils join mayor to celebrate opening of new Gosport school library
Youngsters joined the mayor for ribbon cutting
Excited youngsters at King's Academy Rowner in Gosport turned the page on a new chapter this week as the mayor of Gosport officially opened the school’s brand-new library.
Ten-year-olds Max Asumeng and Ruby Wilkins joined the mayor, Cllr Bradley, to cut the ribbon in front of the whole school, on the very day Winnie the Pooh celebrated his 100th birthday.
The new space has been designed as a ‘destination library’. Children leave the main school building to reach it, which staff say adds to the sense of adventure every time a class visits. With sweeping views over the school grounds, it is also a strictly shoe-free zone for children and adults alike, so readers can get comfy with a good book.
Executive headteacher Georgina 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.”
Ruby, 10, said: “Reading is like having a secret door in your head. You open a book and suddenly you’re somewhere completely different.” Speaking about the ribbon-cutting, she added: “My hands were a bit shaky with everyone watching, but when the ribbon fell and everyone clapped.”
Max, 10, said: “I like reading because there’s always another adventure waiting in the next chapter.” He added: “It was great standing next to the Mayor in front of the whole school. I felt really proud, like I had done something important for everyone.”
The project was brought to life by the school community. Site staff member Mr Riley spent countless hours decorating and building the space, Mrs Connor sorted the book collection, and Mrs Hawksworth, librarian at King’s Academy Bay House, volunteered her time after school to advise us.
Gemma Stockham from the Discovery Centre also spent the afternoon sharing stories with Year 3 and Year 4 pupils, and every child took part in a special library craft session to mark the occasion.
The library will be open to pupils at different times through the school day and will host parent and child reading sessions in the coming weeks.