In January 2023, we opened our new Prep School library! It is a beautiful light space with huge, funky 'halo' lights, curving bookshelves, 1000 new books and window seats with views over the grounds. It is also home to a brand new reading programme, which will encourage our children to spread their wings and enjoy many new books.
Miss Fisher, Head of English, organised two competitions in the lead up to the Grand Opening - an Ali Sparkes book review video competition and a bookmark competition. Our winners would help author Ali Sparkes open the library! Our winning book reviewers went on to visit Waterstones and select a book for themselves and the new library. The winning bookmark designers had their bookmark printed and everyone in the school chose their favourite design on the day the library opened. Winners listed below.
On the day of the grand opening, we welcomed local children’s writer Ali Sparkes, who engaged our pupils across the school with workshops, stories and book signings! Read more about Ali Sparkes' day at Westbourne House.
I am thrilled that the new library has already been such a hit with the pupils; our librarian – Mrs Sally Fullagar – has reported back to me that the library has never been busier, especially since the refurbishment has also seen the addition of nearly 1000 new books.
Miss Fisher, Head of English
Alongside the refurbishment, we also introduced a new reading programme Scholastic Reading Pro. All parents were invited into the new library to explore and discover more about this exciting programme.
Competition Winners
Bookmark designers:
- Hazel Birchall (Years 5-8),
- Mirabelle Gurney (Years 3-4)
- Olivia Morgan (R- 2).
Video review competition:
- George Hobkirk
About Frozen in Time: "My favourite character is Ben. He takes charge and leads from the front because he's the eldest. It is a brilliant book. I recommend it because you do not know what is coming next. I think this is a 10 out of 10 book."
- Daisy Warrender
About Night Forever: "What took me from the beginning was a sense of unknown mystery and I had a feeling something big was going to happen. I really liked the alien friend because she was very different to the other characters."
- Maddie Cooper
About Shapeshifter: "It was so gripping, I found it hard to put down at night. The ending was brilliant."
"Visiting Waterstones with the Ali Sparkes competition winners was an absolute delight. The children were very enthusiastic about being able to select books for themselves and for our brand new school library. Kate, who works at Waterstones, was super helpful in advising the children about different authors and how to choose books that would interest them. Mrs Fullager, our librarian, was also thrilled with having some new books on offer in the school library and hopes that they will be enjoyed for many years to come."
Miss Williams, English Teacher
