Lockdown library 'woodland wonderland' mission transforms reading at Worksop school

Children at a Worksop school were delighted to discover their library had been transformed into a woodland wonderland when they returned to the classroom after lockdown this week.
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While schools were off due to the coronavirus pandemic, staff at Norbridge Academy pooled their artistic talents as they worked together to transform the library space with hand drawn artwork and bespoke paintings.

The renovation involved creating an entrance way, comfortable seating and a hanging canopy to produce an imaginative area where children can escape to with a new book to read.

: "I absolutely love the hanging canopy above our library area, it makes me want to visit our library and read different books.": "I absolutely love the hanging canopy above our library area, it makes me want to visit our library and read different books."
: "I absolutely love the hanging canopy above our library area, it makes me want to visit our library and read different books."

Head into the reading forest and you may find yourself eating honey with Winnie the Pooh, hanging out with Harry Potter or watching Zog soar through the treetops.

Year 6 pupil Oscar Smith said: "Our school library used to be plain and boring, but now it’s colourful with lots more books to read.

"I love the amazing paintings and quotes from books. We now have a quiet place to read without being interrupted."

Sophie Pearson, a Year 6 pupil, added: "I absolutely love the hanging canopy above our library area, it makes me want to visit our library and read different books. Thank you to all the teachers for giving us somewhere to enjoy reading."

Staff pooled together their artistic talents to transform the library during lockdown.Staff pooled together their artistic talents to transform the library during lockdown.
Staff pooled together their artistic talents to transform the library during lockdown.

George Huthart, head teacher at Norbridge Academy, said: “It was wonderful to see the staff using their collective talents to transform our library for the benefit for all of our children.

“This will be an important space for learning and will help the children to develop a love of reading and return to a more normal time at school.”

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