The dedication of a team of parents has helped transform a cramped school library into a new learning environment.
Members of the Friends of Weeting School decided to focus their fundraising events on helping to refurbish the library.
They raised more than £1,000 through craft fairs and events before securing a £4,000 donation from Tesco Brandon’s Bags of Help.
A further £6,000 donation was received from Chigwell Construction.
The library has been redecorated and new furniture, including tables, chairs and comfy seats, has been installed.
Donna Smith, the chairman of the Friends, said: “The old library was cramped and was just tired and the children didn’t want to spend time in there. The teachers couldn’t teach in there because there was no space.
“Now it looks lovely and it has made such a big difference. It has been a team effort. We have done this because we wanted the children to enjoy it.”
She added: “Our children deserve to have something that is nice. When they saw it for the first time they were saying ‘wow’.”
The work was completed over the Easter holiday. Some of the Friends came in and helped to clear the library before the new equipment was set up by Bookspace.
Painter and decorator Tony Waring volunteered to decorate the library for free and has helped to brighten up the room.
Hannah Gomes-Wilson, teacher in charge, said: “We are just absolutely delighted. This is a fantastic learning space and it is like having another classroom.
“So many people have pulled together to do this. We are lucky that so many people gave up their time to do this, it is not just about the funding, it is all the little things and the people behind the scenes.”
The children will be taking part in a sponsored read to help buy new books for the library. For seven days they will be challenged to read or listen to part of a book.
Executive headteacher Carole Reich added: “It is what you always dream of as a headteacher, that you see your staff, parents and pupils working together to do something positive for the children’s learning.
“A library is really important today because people don’t go to public libraries as much anymore and this will encourage children to read.”
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