Thu, May 16, 2024 1:00 PM
Library upgrade a ‘goldmine’ for Clifton Terrace School
Clifton Terrace School siblings Easton, 5, and Pearl Clarkson, 8, enjoy some books in their upgraded library. Photo: Kate Russell.
Kate Russell
Clifton Terrace School has started a new chapter in its library history with a reader-ready new space to sit and enjoy a book.
Principal Rob Wemyss says the library upgrade project, which was completed just in time for Term 2, was long overdue for the Atawhai-based school.
“Our library was in need of some love… it was dark, leaking, and not very inviting.”
Now, it is a light, warm, and inviting space that Rob refers to as a “goldmine” for students.
“Libraries can just be libraries, but our library is something special. It is a really valuable part of what we do here at Clifton Terrace, it is our ‘hub’ and such an asset for our kids.”
Upgrades have included a new deck complete with bean bags for reading in the sun, accessibility improvements, and a new front desk.
“We have also introduced a front-facing system for our books. It is a much more workable space, and the feedback has been great,” Rob says.
“Some of the kids that came in during the first days of this term found books really easily and took whole sets of books out because they didn’t even know we had them in the past.”
Rob thanked the school’s board of trustees, property manager Dan Miller from Onus Projects, and builders IMB Construction at the official opening of the library on Friday morning.
The father of two students at the school was also involved in the planning stages of the librarian’s desk, and Rob says it’s nice to have those links within the school community.
He also thanked the students, who pitched in to help move the books out and back in when the upgrade was complete.
“Everything had to be put in place… the kids all helped with this.”
Rob says he now looks forward to watching students enjoy their new whare pukapuka.
“It is a part of our school which allows creativity, immersion into another world, emotion, warmth, friendship, learning, and actually just some pure fun.”
