It has been a ’real team effort’ to set up a new library at Ashley Hill School, the head teacher has said.

Students, teachers and many others have worked together to design and organise the library which opened its doors at the school based in Onchan earlier this month.

The brand new facility has a range of books for all key stages, a listening area with book recordings, an outdoor zone for reading and ’story sacks’ to encourage the schoolchildren to make up their own stories.

Head teacher Peter Lewis said: ’The opening was a lovely opportunity for us to show off a new facility. Parents, children, staff, governors and representatives from Onchan Library were all present.

’I said a few words to thank everyone who contributed to the library, from our staff who designed it, to the year six librarians (who are aged 10 to 11) who have organised the books.

’Pam and Quinn from Onchan Library joined us to help the year six librarians officially open the library.’

The Friends of Ashley Hill School have contributed to the project by funding a regular Top Ten books scheme and parents have been going to the school on a weekly basis to help with the new scanning and barcode system.

’It’s been a real team effort!’ Mr Lewis added.

Plans for the library were drawn up more than a year ago.

The different classes at the school will follow a timetable of when they will be able to access the facilities.

However, Mr Lewis said that parents and children are welcome to come in at any time, particularly at pick-up time to scan books in and out.

He said: ’Though we live in a digital/technological age, we still feel there’s a place for children to access a library and spend time developing or consolidating their "love of reading".

’We hope the library space enhances children’s motivation to read on a regular basis.’