Background: Our library had an unfortunate water leak over Christmas and since then it’s been unusable and we’ve missed it terribly.
So we made plans for a work day, inviting parents to the School to help make the library beautiful again during the half term. Mudita and I plus some parents (one new to the School) all came and got stuck in and had a lovely sociable day working together and getting to know one another. It’s been the first School Work Day since 2019 due to the pandemic and it was wonderful having parents back at School. (For Covid related info we had 6 adults in the room at any given time and all windows and doors were open.)
The parents brought their children who played in the School grounds together and helped where they could. Some parents brought tools with them.
The children in Mudita’s Class had already begun packing books into boxes the previous week, which we finished doing on the day. We removed furniture and got the carpet and underlay up. The floor was swept and hoovered ready for our carpet fitter.
We decided it would be beneficial to have a change of colour and a refresh of the walls, which had been a light green. We painted the walls a refreshing white which instantly brightened the room.
After the carpet was laid, we set about putting the bookshelves back and this week we finished organising the books and giving the room the finishing touches, such as putting in aloe plants, putting pictures on the walls, and displaying sea glass in jars on the windowsills.
The carpet is a Berber Carpet, hardwearing and easy to clean. One of the parents donated two beautiful rugs to put on top which feel lovely underfoot. We had pre-existing pillows and armchairs which we have used to make the library cosier and more inviting.
The children have already been making use of the space, spending wet break times and quiet moments in there, as well as researching topics for main lessons.
The colours in the library are warm, oranges, yellows, and reds, and it feels calm and safe.
We have rediscovered some of the beautiful books we have, from in-depth books on seashells to Aesops fables and picture books for the small children. We are hoping to continue adding to the library and welcome any donations of books, throws, rugs, or decorations which parents might like to donate.