Children’s author opens school’s new library

Students and staff of River Mead School, Melksham, celebrated the launch of their new ‘Riverside Library,’ which was officially opened by children’s author Sufiya Ahmed earlier this month.

The school parliament said they were “overjoyed” to meet the author. They were joined by the chair of governors, Colin Kay, and a member of the reading volunteer team, Sue Mortimer.

The library has been extensively renovated with woodland themed decoration. The library now enjoys a selection of new bookshelves and a collection of reading areas to complement a large range of books for the children to enjoy.

Headteacher Louise Harrison said, “The environment fosters a love of reading, it’s a different space to get lost in books. Being able to read, and enjoying books, opens so many opportunities to everything else around us.”

She continued, “We would like to thank Selwood Housing for their funding contribution towards making this library a reality. We hope that it will enable children’s enjoyment of reading to nurture and grow throughout their time at River Mead.”

Sufiya Ahmed, author of books including ‘Secrets of the Henna Girl’ and the ‘Rosie Raja’ series, said, “I think that it’s really important that every primary and secondary school has a library… a place for them to feel safe, a place for friendships, and a place where they feel they can belong.”

Year 6 students Martha and Isabelle were excited about the new space. “It’s really important because it expands children’s vocabulary and helps them in their education,” said Isabelle. Martha added, “If some children don’t have access to books at home, they can come in here!”

Story by Molly Johnson, work experience reporter