Book donations fill school's library

Sarah Cox said the school had been given some "wonderful books"

Donations from local businesses and authors have helped fill a school's library after an appeal for books.

It started a year ago when Charlton School in Telford asked students for a wish list of books they would like to read to broaden the range on offer at the library, established two years previously.

Lindsay Galbraith, assistant vice principal, said the school's Big Reads project had enabled more students to find books that interested them.

Year 10 student Cassie said: "It's really a fantastic thing for local businesses to support our library."

The teacher responsible for literacy, Sarah Cox, said the wish list had been sent around local businesses "who very kindly fulfilled that wish list and we ended up with some wonderful books".

She added: "That, we hope, has really motivated our students to enjoy our library space even more."

Ms Galbraith said: "In a disadvantaged area where students may lack access to books, the presence of a well-stocked library is invaluable."

She said she hoped the fully-stocked shelves would promote literacy, academic achievement, and intellectual curiosity.

The school said the donations had enabled it to broaden its range of reading material

Ellie, a school librarian, explained: "We want it to be an inviting place where students feel safe and ready to learn."

That has included making it more colourful and "a safe space" to sit and read.

Charlie, another year 10 student, said he felt comfortable there and added: "I come to the library quite a bit just to clear my head."

The school put out an appeal for more books a year ago

According to Ms Galbraith, donations from "renowned authors" had "imparted a special touch to our school library, elevating the significance of our book collection and fostering greater care and appreciation among our students".

The school said authors included Jewell Parker Rhodes, Diana Anyakwo, Ravena Guron, Tess James –Mackey and Louie Stowell.