Pupils at St Oswald's Primary School in Burneside enjoy new library

St Oswald’s Primary School in Burneside completely refurbished a neglected classroom into a new and inspiring library for its children.

The work was a community effort with parents, teachers and local paper business James Cropper lending a hand to revamp the space.

The new library has a focus on British wildlife and the climate with a mural of a tree painted by artist Phil Allder.

ART: The mural by Phil Allder

There is also new furniture and new displays.

“This was a room that was underused, and our teacher Miss Carter wanted to create a better library,” said headteacher Gill White.

“So we decided to turn it into a library.

“And Phil did this fabulous mural as a talking point to help teach the children about British wildlife.

“From that it grew.

“And it’s just kept developing ever since, it’s been a community effort.

“It has a lovely atmosphere and I think it’s now my favourite room in the school.”

SPACIOUS: The new library

A lot of the school’s existing books had to be thrown away because they were out of date and not suitable for the current curriculum.

“We brought in a librarian and she literally chucked nearly all of our books away,” said Ms White.

“The condition of the books and a lot of them were very dated.”

But thanks to a donation from James Cropper, dozens of new editions were bought and the library is full to the brim of beautifully illustrated books.

“Croppers is delighted to be a part of this project,” said Richard Dancy, Colourform brand manager at James Cropper.

“Our workers have family here and we are a part of the community, and it’s great to be able to help.”

PROUD: Richard Dancy, Phil Allder, Gemma Carter and Gill White

And pupils are ‘absolutely loving’ their library.

Pupil Matilda, 10, said the library was a ‘great place’ to relax.

“I enjoy it because of the new painting and displays,” she said.

“And it’s a good place to relax and find out new things.”