New library opens up for whole community

By Retford Times | Thursday, February 09, 2012, 06:50

PUPILS at a Retford school have started a new chapter on learning at the school with a extension and an improved library.

Jack Cox and Charlotte Downing at Elkesley primary schools new library area.
well read: Jack Cox and Charlotte Downing at Elkesley primary schools new library area.
RED RIBBON: Jack Cox and Charlotte Downing at Elkesley primary schools officially opening the newly-built reception and meeting room area and library with Tracey Coulson, Emma Lane from John Kinch Builds and headteacher Celia Oates.

This week saw the opening ceremony of Elkesley Primary School's new county-council funded extension.

The new facility, which includes a new library, reception area and meeting room, was built during the 2011 summer holiday.

Headteacher Celia Oates said the new facility would be useful to both children and adults in the village.

"We did have a small library, but that was very cramped," she said.

"The space we've got now is a lot more usable. It really is going to have a lot more impact and will help children across the school.

"Members of the community can meet in the new facility without needing to travel into Retford to use services."

At the extension's opening on Tuesday, representatives from John Kinch Builds, the firm contracted for its construction, passed on a cheque of £100 to buy new books.

And extra funding had been received from Awards for All to help the school open the facilities up for community use.

Cutting the ribbon to open the extension, pupil Charlotte Downing, 10, said visitors were impressed with the new facilities.

"We're really pleased with the extra space it provides," she said.

"Our many visitors over the past term have communicated how impressed they are with the building."