Wendell Park primary has opened a new reading shed to meet the demand of the school’s bookworms.
The outdoor wooden mini library is a gift from the former co-head of the school, Elena Hough, with author Junean Harrison performing the ribbon cutting.
Excited pupils crowded round the new shed in a corner of the school playground in Cobbold Road, Shepherds Bush, to browse the shelves and test flopping into the comfy reading cushions on the floor.
Junean is the author of the 2022 book The Snowflake and the Star, illustrated by Bhugya Rathnaweera. It’s the rhyming tale of a lost snowflake called Crystal becoming friends with Twinkle the star.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you Wendell Park for having me here to present this amazing gift to all of you; it’s truly an honour,” she told a gathering of children and parents.
“When I was younger I enjoyed reading all the time; it helps build your imagination and creativity, and it can help calm and focus your mind.”
With a felt-lined roof, the waterproofed shed has racks and shelving for dozens of books.
Megan Snipp, the reading lead at Wendell Park, ensured that every child left the opening ceremony with a free book or two, thanks to donations from the school community.
“We’re trying to instil a love of books and, more importantly, a lifelong passion for reading,” Megan said.
