CHILDREN, parents and staff at a Bradford school have celebrated the opening of a state-of-the-art library and ICT centre at the school.

The new facility at Wibsey Primary School has seen an investment of around £220,000 to create a completely new library facility as well as improvements to neighbouring classrooms.

The library sits alongside a new computer suite on a newly-created floor reached by an open stairway, and has a Bradford theme - one wall is covered in images of Bradford buildings. It completes an extensive re-modelling programme at the school over the past several years.

Head Nigel Cooper said the school had been saving money for years to fund the new facility, in the hope children develop their love of reading and foster a love of libraries.

Danny Mylo, from Pulse Radio, cut the ribbon at the opening on Thursday, and Bookstart Bear also made an appearance.

To fill up the new library, over 2,000 books have been bought to add to those already in use from the previous library.

A computerised lending system, which allows each pupil to have their own electronic library card, has been installed. There is also new shelving and seating, including book cases shaped like VW Campervans.

Parents were invited in to see the new learning space at the end of the school day.

Headteacher Nigel Cooper said: “The day went really well. It was great for children, parents staff and the wider members of the community.

"Our previous library was a very basic library in a completely different part of the school. As well as the library there are kitchen areas and ICT facilities.

"One of the big reasons we wanted to focus on the library was because we wanted to reflect the importance of libraries and encourage children to use public libraries. There is the Bradford theme because we wanted children to appreciate how important the city is.

"The library, with the wider choice of books, along with the computer suite, provide a colourful and exciting learning environment for the children.

“The whole school, both inside and out, has changed beyond recognition in the past few years. The building itself is over 100 years old, but inside it looks and feels colourful, bright and welcoming – very 21st century. We are all very proud of our school.”

The new library will also be used by after school clubs, homework groups and will even be staffed over lunch breaks with pupil librarians.