Libraries for Primary Schools

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has just announced at the Labour Party Conference that she wants to see all primary schools have a library by 2029. There are currently 1,700 schools in the UK without a library provision with an estimated 1 in 4 schools without one in economically deprived areas. £132m of funding from Govt dormant assets has been allocated to this initiative.

And this is where we can help. On two fronts. If your school does not currently have sufficient internal space or room to actually house a library, we offer a series of outdoor classroom style buildings which can very much do so and are sometimes classed as an outdoor reading retreat or story telling hub. These range from our little reading pods up right to our larger modular style buildings. Our range of buildings come in different shapes and sizes – namely rectangular, square or octagonal – and you can easily change round the window and door configurations to suit your school’s needs if you need more book shelf storage space. We offer a comprehensive range of different roof options, external and internal cladding and unique eco systems including renewable energy.

As these buildings  are used for libraries, we typically also insulate them as well as they will be heated.

There are many advantages for a school having an outdoor library –

• Space-saving – the easiest way to relieve pressure on having to use indoor space which could be vital for the school teaching operation

• Encourages an outdoor learning culture – integrates reading and literacy into the wider outdoor education system

• Supports school values – demonstrates innovation, creativity and a commitment to pupil wellbeing.

• Community asset – the building can be multi-functional in that it can easily be used for other functions such as after-school clubs, parent-child reading sessions or summer reading sessions

• Encourages reading for pleasure – a relaxed, non-traditional space makes reading feel like an enjoyable activity rather than a standard classroom task or lesson.

• Boosts literacy levels – children are more likely to pick up books voluntarily in an inviting, different environment.

• Flexible learning space – doubles as a storytelling area, group reading nook, or a quiet space for focused study.

• Cross-curricular use – teachers can use it for literacy lessons, phonics, and even creative writing inspired by nature.

We can also convert internal spaces into a library area and the photo below features one with a woodland theme.

Or if you are looking for something which is a bit quirky and different to inspire children to go to, you might want to consider our Hideout House Cabin which is very popular with schools.

We look forward to hearing from you