Pocklington Prep School unveiled its brand new library this week, welcoming children's author, Catherine Jacob, to school to read her new book to the pupils, Betsy Buglove Saves the Bees, as part of the celebrations.

Over the summer holidays, the Prep School library was transformed into a fresh, inspiring space. The beautiful designs, supplied by David Cliff Designs, lead the children into a world of knowledge and adventure with a plethora of books to enjoy and digest, including the school’s new reading scheme, Accelerated Reader.

On opening day, the celebrations began with a series of guest storytelling sessions from Pocklington School teaching staff, including Sally Stone (Head of English), Toby Seth (Headmaster) and Steph Saunders (Librarian).

Catherine Jacob had the honour of officially opening the library, marked with the cutting of a blue ribbon, before she treated the children to a reading of her new book, Betsy Buglove Saves the Bees, which is beautifully illustrated by Lucy Fleming. Catherine Jacob is a writer and award-winning television correspondent. Her first books, There's a Troll on My Toilet! and Santa's Special Gift, were published in September and October 2019.

On opening the library and meeting the Prep School children, Catherine commented: “It was my absolute pleasure to come and read Betsy Buglove Saves the Bees to the children at Pocklington Prep, to hear all their questions and to open the new library. What a wonderful space to fire the children’s imaginations! I can see that many, many adventures are going to be had in that library, through the magical world of books.”

The new library is a haven for the children who are very excited about using it. Prep School pupil, Felicity, commented: 'The reading platform and ladder are my favourite things in the whole school!’

The importance of a school library to children’s learning and development has recently been highlighted by a research review conducted by Nottingham Trent University for The National Literacy Trust in 2019. It showed that school libraries have a positive impact on all areas of pupils’ learning, including the development of reading and writing skills, their wellbeing and overall academic attainment. Good school libraries also contribute to the development of a ‘reading for pleasure culture’.

Suzy Ward, Head of Pocklington Prep School, said 'Our new library sits right at the heart of our wonderful school. It is a beautiful space to read, relax and learn. We couldn’t be more pleased with this exciting new development.’