A PRIMARY school’s library has been nominated for a national award.
Mangotsfield Church of England Primary School is one of three in the country in the running for the School Library Association’s annual Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year Award.
Organisers say the award “recognises a team that works together to ensure their school library positively impacts all the pupils in their primary school”.
The judges said: “The shortlist of three primary school libraries in Birmingham, Bristol and Northampton showcases how dedicated librarians, strong leadership support, and whole-school community engagement can transform library spaces into vibrant hubs that elevate reading culture, engage pupils and create measurable impact.
“Mangotsfield Church of England Primary School’s journey of taking the library from a disused space to being an integral part of daily life is inspirational, and everyone can take something from it.
“The library and librarian truly demonstrate what a primary school can achieve when enabled by the senior leadership team and whole school community.”
School librarian Verity Robinson said: “We are so grateful to the School Library Association team for acknowledging the work we have put into the library.
“It means so much, not just to our staff, but to the children who use the library to find a quiet space, explore new worlds, or to simply be themselves.
“We are incredibly proud to stand alongside other schools doing such important work to foster reading cultures in their own settings, and the work we must do collectively to ensure that every child, no matter their background or ability, has the opportunity to fall in love with reading.”
Usborne managing director Nicola Usborne said: “It is a joy to read about the fantastic school communities across the country who are working day-in, day-out, to find innovative ways to ensure their school library has a positive impact, inspiring curiosity, informing and delighting pupils.
“The passion shown by the three shortlisted primary libraries for this invaluable work is truly an inspiration to all of us.”
The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at the British Library in London on November 6.