School Library | Architects for Hackney | forrester architects
The books are flying off the shelves at Betty Layward’s new school library in Stoke Newington. The library opened its doors today and the ribbon was cut by author and illustrator Jane Ray. A school has reclaimed space from the IT room. If you thought a school was built around the library then things have changed since you were at school. Throughout the development, the parents were involved to re-establish the library. The children can enjoy and focus on reading on paper and not on screen.
The works are being carried out over the summer and completed for the new term. In keeping with the rapidly changing times, there will be a mixture of paper and electronic media to keep up with evolving technologies. Bespoke furniture has been arranged to create three informal reading zones with easy access to the book shelving. The bookshelves are made to be accessible to all ages. And when needed by a full classroom the bookshelves can be moved aside to allow a large seating area focussed on the whiteboard. A neighbouring project is a full house refurbishment.
The aim is to provide a library that reflects the school ethos_to inspire, develop and nurture every child to have the confidence to learn.