Bookend Cottage

Aim

To create a space where children can read to feed their curiosity and unlock their imagination; instilling a culture of reading for pleasure

We are a wonderful, vibrant Junior School in the west of York, and believe in giving every child the knowledge and skills to aim high and the confidence to shine bright. Since opening our doors over 70 years ago, we have served generations in the heart of Acomb, continuously striving for excellence since the 1950s.

At Carr, we believe reading to be an integral element of our curriculum and aim to create a culture of reading for pleasure, providing pupils with the tools necessary to see their education flourish.

As our local community develops and grows, so does the demand for school places, thus seeing us welcoming a greater number into the Carr family. Over the past decade, this increase has seen the addition of further classrooms, but a further rise in admissions means we again find ourselves short on learning spaces. We have a library area, and an array of fantastic books but the room is often used for other activities such as intervention groups, learning assessments, and music lessons. This makes it difficult to offer classes full access to the area at any given time.

The funds will enable us to address this issue through the construction of a unique structure epitomising our passion for reading - a magical space in which children can lose themselves in books, featuring eco-friendly aspects to stand at harmony with our outdoor learning environment.  

Exterior of Bookend Cottage

Our vision sees the creation of an extraordinary library environment, separate from the main school building. With capacity for up to 30 children, the accessible area will host full class lessons, as well as provide an experience for smaller groups, families and individuals to discover and enjoy reading in their own time. The striking exterior will entice children toward the library, and once inside, will boast an enchanting ambiance akin to the worlds and lands of the very books in which they will become immersed. We foresee the fantasy and intrigue to spark the inception of a lifelong love of reading.

Interior of Bookend Cottage

Our school lies in an area of deprivation significantly greater than the city as a whole. Many of our children are unable to access books of adequate quality, nor a quiet space to read. Our library would provide both - offering an abundance of literacy treasures, encouraging parents and carers to spend time reading to and with their children.

Furthermore, the facility would be available to the whole community for reading activities, presenting a space in which local residents could convene, connect and thrive. Through the library we would endeavour to tackle inequality and obstacles to reading, providing a valuable asset not only for our pupils, but for everyone within the area regardless of their background or circumstance.

Please help us to inspire the readers of tomorrow.

This project successfully funded on 16th June 2021