There couldn’t be a more magical spot to immerse yourself in a story.
An extraordinary library has opened at a York junior school, thanks to the generosity of its community.
Bookend Cottage, which can be found at Carr Junior School in Acomb, provides an enchanting, serene space where children can be transported by the power of a good book – and all within a converted London bus!
The project to create Bookend Cottage kicked off in 2021 when the school community had grown so much that their original library often had to double up as a classroom; staff and pupils really needed a dedicated library space.
The team at Carr Junior put in a bid to the Aviva Community Fund in May 2021. And the local community rose to the challenge, raising an incredible £10,000 in just five weeks.
The crowdfunding initiative then went from strength to strength, with the school raising £40,000 by July 2023.
Vicki Kerr, headteacher at Carr Junior School said “Our school lies in an area where deprivation is growing year on year and is greater than the city as a whole.
“Before we had Bookend Cottage, many of our children were unable to access books of adequate quality, nor a quiet space to read.
“Our library now provides both.
“It offers an abundance of literacy treasures, encouraging parents and carers to spend time reading to and with their children.
“Bookend Cottage’s striking exterior entices children in, and once inside, we have created an enchanting ambience akin to the worlds and lands of the very books in which our pupils become immersed.
“We really hope the fantasy and intrigue sparks the inception of a lifelong love of reading.
“I am hugely grateful to our local and wider community for all their incredible and generous donations.
“I’d also like to thank many local companies who have supported us. Bookend would not have become a reality without the Unconventional Designs team, who helped to make Bookend Cottage a reality with their design, build and project management.”
Kate Smithson, chair of governors at Carr Junior School, added “It is wonderful to see Bookend Cottage come to fruition. The children are so excited to use this fabulous new space where they feel like they are entering a world of intrigue and fantasy!
“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this project possible – it is an amazing example of true community spirit.”
Whilst pupils have plenty of stories to choose from at Bookend Cottage, the school would love to add more books.
And they would be delighted if anyone wanted to buy them a book. If you’d like to, they have an Amazon wishlist where the children have chosen titles they’d most enjoy – you can find it here.
Carr Junior School is part of the South Bank Multi Academy Trust alongside Millthorpe School, York High School, Scarcroft Primary School, Knavesmire Primary and Woodthorpe Primary.