18 September 2018
Over the past three years, the Library has been transformed into a valued space for independent learning and teamwork which is a hugely important part of education and the Library aims to give every learner access to the very best in books and cutting-edge technologies available today. The new Library & Learning Resource Centre was officially unveiled on 11th December 2017 by the previous Head Teacher Mr Wood.
Several months later the final stage of this project has now been completed thanks to the hard work, commitment and support from the School’s PTFA who also secured a grant from the Lytham School’s Foundation Trust on top of their own fundraising.
Research
Before any work began, staff and students were surveyed and interviewed to devise a new model for the Library to encompass all the features needed. Meetings with students showed us that a new approach was needed to meet all the separate demands on the space by users: Making homework projects, reading, revising for exams, working in groups and preparing presentations. The design concept aimed to achieve this by separating the Library into three areas "Make", "Present" and "Reflect" as identified by wall graphics.
Design Concept
The design and plans were kindly drawn up by Jo Kember of Gilling Dod Architects & Interior Designs (a member of the PTFA), who have played a significant part in developing our ideas and turning students' and staffs' dreams into a beautifully crafted reality.
The Design
Make: The Make space has new equipment for student to support their academic work including 3D printer, miniature computing hardware for coding and media equipment which gives students the opportunity to express their creativity and opens up a whole range of possibilities for imaginative homework projects and student invention.
Present: The Present area has an amphitheatre space with silent-disco headsets for presentations and recitals.
Reflect: The Reflect area has been opened up into a larger reading area with additional comfortable seating and improved shelving layout for browsing.The new design will also make the impressive fiction collection more accessible through the use of a Central Pod for catalogue searches and book promotions.
Study: A small separate study space has been developed as a bookable meeting and study room for groups of students who are doing committee work or projects and will also work as a totally silent study space at lunchtimes and after school near to exam times. The newly laid out space will be available to rent out to external groups and companies at evenings and weekends.
Lights: Lighting up the whole space is some new highly energy efficient LED lighting which is far superior for students reading and studying in the space.
Support
This project has been supported by the School's PTFA, LSA Governors, Students and Staff, Booths St. Annes, The Local List, Gilling Dod Architects & Interior Designs, Lytham Schools Foundation, U.K. Energy Watch, Brian Hodgson Electrical, J.E. Harrison Builders, Marc Anthony Flooring, J&J Decorators, CLC Contractors Ltd, Glendale (UK) Ltd, Lustalux and Lazy Day Cakes.
Since the project’s completion, our school library has been receiving support from numerous students who have been regularly helping out and they have received their 'Library Volunteer' lanyards.
Library Refurbishment progress photos
