Zaytouna Primary School in Derby launches new library designed by pupils and boosts reading for pleasure

Initially, the focus on reading for pleasure and the desire for a library upgrade to help boost this initiative came from Deputy Headteacher, Mr Jordan. However, this is a school where children’s voices truly count, and so he invited the whole school to think about what they really wanted for the ultimate reading space.

He explained, “I know from my previous school the positive impact of instilling reading for pleasure at an early age. It has so many benefits as it naturally helps to widen vocabulary and introduces different sentence structures. It’s a subtle way of understanding grammar and developing language skills as well as stimulating imagination and cognitive skills, but it is also a powerful tool for introducing different perspectives, and that is great in helping children to learn empathy and a better understanding of each other and the world around them.”

The excitement of designing a new library was the perfect way to ramp up lively discussions around reading and books. Various designs and ideas were discussed before the theme of the Olive Tree, the symbol of peace, prosperity and longevity and the origin of the school’s name was chosen. The school then enlisted the support of a local company, Funky Furniture, which really brought the concept to life. Designed to set the pleasures of reading alight and make books even more accessible throughout the school day, this purposeful space, complete with sheltered cosy corners and fun spots, comfy seating in small and communal arrangements and the ‘piece de resistance’ tree house, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a good book.

Long-serving teaching assistant and school Librarian, Dina Campbell said, “We always had a good library here at Zaytona with plenty of variety and age-appropriate books, but it didn’t really have a wow factor or encourage children who weren’t lovers of books to spend too much time here, unless they were timetabled to do so. Now this magical space is so inviting and I’m seeing many more children want to come. We were also excited to be gifted a large replenishment of books, as well as many items of furniture, by the wonderful BookMark Reading Charity.

To mark the occasion, Deputy Youth Mayor, Maryam Riaz, officially opened the garden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and along with parent-governor, Rania Ahmed, Chair of Governors, Abdul Basit Jabbar, and CEO of Transform Trust, Rebecca Meredith, were given a tour by the children.

Year 6 Librarians Anaya and Renaz are part of the team elected to help Mrs Campbell. Anaya said, “I love to read and that is why I wanted to be a librarian, so I could spend time here and get to see the new books as they come in. My favourite author is Roald Dahl. He is really good. I love how he brings his stories to life and really like the characters.” Renaz said, “I wasn’t really into reading for fun, but I do like to organise things, and I was interested to be involved in that part. Since then, I have become more interested in books and have found an author that I really like. Her name is Jaqualine Wilson. I can really relate to those stories and some of the things she talks about are things that we experience as girls growing up. So, yes, this space has really introduced books in a different way to me.”

Deputy Youth Mayor, Maryam Riaz was delighted to be here and said, “I am so honoured to have been invited to Zaytouna for the opening of the library. I am fortunate that my role allows me to spend time in schools, and to listen to and share my experiences with young people and be a voice for them in some small way. I love reading and absolutely see the importance of encouraging reading at a young age. This library is a wonderful space, and the children are clearly delighted with it. It will inspire a whole new wave of readers for sure.”

Headteacher Aaron Bird said, “We are so blessed to have many supporters at our school, and we cherish our partnerships. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our friends at ‘BookMark Reading Charity’, to our governors support our school with these big projects, and to our wonderful guest, Deputy Youth Mayor, Maryam Riaz, who’s such an inspiration for our children”

“This project has provided a wealth of positive experiences for our children. When children feel they belong, that they count and their voices are heard, they realise they can be whatever they want to be – there’s no limit on where their dreams and ambitions can take them in life and they can also be agents of change. Today has been an uplifting experience for all of us, and our library will benefit many, many more children and adults in the future.”

CEO of Transform Trust, Rebecca Meredith said,

“Today has made my heart sing. To encourage a life-long love of reading from a young age it has to be an enjoyable experience. Zaytouna is making this a priority, and I applaud that. I also love the positive impact this is having across the whole school community. Reading together strengthens bonds between adult and children and children and their peers, and the educational, emotional and social benefits of this are countless."