Community library opens at Newbury's Speenhamland School

A Newbury school has opened a new community library to encourage parents and children to pick up a book, writes Owen Jones.

Speenhamland School, in Pelican Lane, opened its community library on Friday, November 18.

Elaine Watson, the school's reading lead, said: “We want children and parents alike to utilise the community library and get reading.

"Every child at Speenhamland can own and enjoy books.”

The Friends of Speenhamland School parent group supported Mrs Watson to develop the community library, which was also supported by donations from the Salvation Army.

“The children who attend an extra-curricular book club, librarians and school councillors launched the exciting community library to the school in a special assembly,” Mrs Watson added.

Julie Lewry, headteacher at Speenhamland School, said: “Reading is such an important life skill for all of our children.

"We are so excited to launch our new library and hope that it will make a positive difference to everyone in our school community.”

West Berkshire Council’s statistics suggest up to 74 per cent of primary school children achieve their reading benchmark. This is higher than the 59 per cent national average in 2021, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies.

Only 39 per cent of the most disadvantaged pupils in West Berkshire achieve the same benchmark, however, compared to the English average of 51 per cent.

Mrs Lewry added: “Our vision is to make reading accessible for all and a pastime that will be enjoyed by everyone in the family.”

The school aims to expand the library in the future and said any donations of "quality children’s books" would be gratefully received.