A BRADFORD school has celebrated the grand opening of its library.
Feversham Primary Academy, in Barkerend, has gone years without a dedicated library space, but thanks to a grant from the Foyle Foundation - a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting literacy – the school was able to transform a previously unused space.
The school hopes the library will serve generations of pupils to come and provide a haven for exploration, imagination, and the joy of getting lost in a good book.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford Gerry Barker and Lady Mayoress Jean Barker visited the school to mark the library's opening.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Foyle Foundation for making this dream a reality,” said Naveed Idrees, principal at the school.
“Having a dedicated library space will make a world of difference for our students.
“It will provide a quiet space for them to delve into a book, fostering a love of reading for pleasure, which is so crucial for their academic success and overall development.”
Pupils have spoken of their delight at the opening of the library.
“I love reading fiction books because they take you to unexpected places and have surprises,” says Nusaybah, a Year 5 pupil.
“I’m excited to see which fiction books I can find in our new library.”
Rubaha, a Year 4 pupil, added: “I’ve never been to a library and I’m looking forward to ours opening,” she says.
The newly-established library boasts a carefully curated collection of brand-new books, catering to a wide range of interests and reading levels.
Parents are also welcome to borrow books, creating an opportunity for shared reading experiences at home.
Research has consistently shown the benefits of strong school libraries - libraries not only cultivate a love of reading but also improve vocabulary, information literacy, and critical thinking skills.
They provide a safe space for students to learn independently and explore their passions.
Feversham said: “The school is very proud of its children, the school and profession, and is driven by the belief that socio-demographic disadvantage must never be a limiting factor in attaining amazing outcomes for its children and community.
“The school is committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where all students can reach their full potential.”
Feversham is currently rated by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ and in the last report, from 2019, inspectors said: “The headteacher is relentless in his drive to ensure that all pupils achieve their best. His passion and vision for developing the ‘whole child’ is infectious.
“He has created a staff team which shares and delivers his ambition for all pupils to thrive academically and emotionally.”
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