CELEBRITIES have been lending a hand to a Reading school’s campaign to build a new library, with the aim of raising £8,000 by Christmas.
Among them is Ian McMillan, who wrote a Shakespearean Sonnet in support of the campaign.
“Let’s say this: A library’s the beating heart/ Of a school, where young minds take root and grow” it begins, before extolling the virtues of the books that reside within the shelves of such a venue.
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The PTA of the school also asked celebrities for their favourite reads, including author Philip Pullman who chose Tove Jansson’s Finn Family Moomintroll, broadcaster Jo Whiley, who chose The Chronicles of Narnia, and singer Alison Moyet, who said loved reading the Molly Moon books by Georgia Byrne to her daughter when she was little.
As well as famous names, local groups have been backing the project, including The Fisherman’s Cottage Pub, Monty’s in Erleigh Road, and St Luke’s Church, which has included the library fundraiser in their parishioner correspondence.
On Saturday, the school held a Christmas fayre, with raffle prizes donated by Monty’s Cafe Yolk, John Lewis Reading, Waitrose Woodley, Albert Fields Hair Salon, Goring on Thames, Kung-Fu Kitchen, Tesco, Raver Tots and Snow Princess Parties.
In all, there has been a lot of backing for the campaign to boost reading at a Reading school.
The project will see 2,000 new books bought, modern shelving to put them on, better lighting and seating, and a fresh coat of paint for the walls. The designs have been put together in consultation with school pupils.
The school leadership team said in a statement: “We have a talented and dedicated teaching staff who need the right facilities and the right resources to support them in their teaching, and to support the children in their learning.
“At Redlands, we firmly believe that if children have the skills to read, then the enjoyment naturally follows.
“We’re so grateful to those in Reading and beyond who have donated to our appeal, and hope that this final push will mean that on the last day of term, we can tell the children at Redlands that their dream of an amazing space to read will come true.”
And Co-Chair and Trustee of Friends of Redlands Charity, Stephanie Mitchell, added: “In an ideal world families and schools would be able to support the widest possible range of learning experiences to help children on their educational journey.
“In reality, we know that’s not always the case without the help of the wider community. The volunteer work of Friends of Redlands is dedicated to fundraising what we can to make a positive difference in our community.
“It’s really great to have the support of big names as well as generous donors from Reading and beyond to create an amazing school library. It’s also heartening that people can still see the value of a dedicated, appropriate space for children to engage with and enjoy reading.”
To support the campaign, log on to: www.justgiving.com/campaign/redlandslibrary
