Hazeldene School celebrates the opening of its newly refurbished library

The transformation has created a modern, child friendly environment featuring colourful reading nooks, accessible shelving and flexible areas that support both quiet reading and collaborative activities. The refreshed library now provides pupils with an inviting place to explore books, develop reading for pleasure and enjoy time immersed in stories.

Hazeldene School was honoured to welcome David Litchfield to officially open the new library. David is a multi award winning children’s illustrator and author who lives in Bedford and is best known for creating the award winning picture book The Bear and the Piano along with many other much loved titles. His work has appeared in magazines, newspapers and exhibitions across the United Kingdom, Europe and America, and he has illustrated books for a wide range of authors. During his visit, David spoke to pupils about stories, imagination and creativity, and he also read to groups of children, helping to spark excitement and foster a love of reading as they explored the new library for the first time.

Hazeldene School would also like to express heartfelt thanks to all the children, their parents and families, and to Waterstones for their generous donations of books. Their kindness and enthusiasm have helped begin the exciting task of filling the new library’s shelves, ensuring that children have access to a thoughtfully chosen and wide range of stories to explore.

This project has been made possible thanks to generous donations from Friends of Hazeldene, the Carr family, the Kosic family and the wider school community through various fundraising events. This collective effort reflects the strength of the school community and its shared commitment to enriching pupils’ educational experiences.

Hazeldene School would also like to extend sincere thanks to the individuals and organisations whose time, skills and expertise helped to bring the vision for the new library to life. These include Tayla Nicolay from Kinderoo Interiors, Kathryn Bridge, Gary Craddock and Nigel Tollman, Ben and Luke from Fine Finish Decorators, Chris Atherton from Chrysalis Flooring, Jeremy Casling from JMCC Solution and Adam and Malcolm Green from Insight ICT. Each contributor played an important role in creating a space that reflects the school’s values of inclusion, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.

The refurbished library stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support children’s education and wellbeing. Hazeldene School is incredibly proud of the finished space and excited for pupils to enjoy it for many years to come.

A special thank you also goes to David Clarke (@bedford_based_photographer) for supporting the launch and for his time photographing the opening.

For further information, please contact:

Hazeldene School on 01234 300100 or [email protected]