PUPILS at Kingsland Primary School were celebrating the official relaunch of their school library this week.
Following the COVID pandemic, the facility was closed to learners and used as a staff room to support social distancing.
The whole school felt its loss and when restrictions eased staff, pupils and parents worked together to rebuild the space as a relaxing and purposeful library.
Class teacher Emma McGilp said: "We are all delighted with the refurbished library.
"Reading for enjoyment boosts not only academic achievement but also health and wellbeing and it’s fantastic to have such a calm and inspiring space. It’s lovely to hear the children’s excitement as they enter the library and their chat as they read and share recommendations."
A group of P3-7 pupils from the Dyslexia Club renamed themselves the Reading Ambassadors and met once a week since the start of the school year to help plan, tidy and organise the space.
Joshua Gardner, a P6 Reading Ambassador, said: "I didn’t used to like going to the library and found it boring. Now I like going and I am enjoying reading more books at school and at home."
P6 pupil Bebe Mitchell added: "I am glad I got to help out with the library and it is much more enjoyable to go to. It has made me look forward to going to read books."
The refurbishment has also impressed support for learning teacher Rebecca Franklin-Ray.
She said: "It has been so great to see the Dyslexia Club inspiring other children to read for pleasure. There has been a real buzz around the school and reading for pleasure is more prevalent, for pupils and staff."
The work was funded by the Parent Council, school funds and a donation from Stobo Castle to buy plants and soft furnishings.
New books have been purchased through the school fair and book swaps.
The relaunch coincided with Empathy Day, which shows the transformational power of empathy through stories.
Headteacher Tracey Strathearn said: "A huge thank you to our Kingsland community for helping to provide a welcoming and inclusive library, particularly for our Ukrainian learners.
“Books provide windows into other worlds and through reading we get the unique opportunity to see different perspectives and how other people live.
“We are always keen to hear from volunteers in our school community who may be able to donate their time to support us in the library. Please contact us at kps@scotborders.gov.uk”
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