New library opens at Danestone School
12/03/13
A new library has opened at Danestone School today [Tuesday 12 March].
Youngest pupil Maddy Watt [5] and Craig Hume [12], the second eldest pupil at the school, cut a ribbon to mark the occasion.
The new library is in a bigger space with the best of the original stock being used but everything else is new.
This includes £8,000 of library shelving and seating designed for children with £5,000 to spend on new books and equipment.
The new library offers pupils the opportunity to access a much wider range of reading materials in a beautiful and relaxing environment. Sections on special interests include a range of books on China as the school has a 'Confucius' classroom. There is internet access with the opportunity in the near future for pupils to browse for books and reserve their reads from classroom computers.
The school library project has been helped by generous donations of £1,000 from Rubberatkins, £1,500 from Aberdeen Airport and £200 from Bridge of Don Community Council.
At the opening ceremony Grampian Police, through its Community Initiative Fund, handed over a cheque for £1,000.
Aberdeen City Council's Convener of Education, Culture and Sport Committee Councillor Jenny Laing said: "This fabulous library is an example of what can be achieved by staff and pupils through determination and working together with external partners including Grampian Police and local businesses.
"By offering children access to these types of amenities they will have an opportunity to engage in something positive which will hopefully lead to a lifelong interest in reading."
Danestone School's headteacher George Roberts said: "Even in the 21st century where the internet can give instant information on almost any subject we recognise the importance of books, particularly in a school library.
"Confident and skilled readers can access information from anywhere, but to become such a reader you need to have the chance to immerse yourself in reading which is exactly what this new library offers.
"A big thank you must go to everyone that has played their part in helping us realise our dream of making the library a first rate facility for all to enjoy. A special thank you must go to Grampian Police, Aberdeen Airport and Rubberatkins for their support and generous donations."
Sergeant Andrew Machray, from the Bridge of Don Local Policing Team said: "The Community Initiative Fund was set up to allow officers to put forward projects to receive funding which will in turn benefit the local community.
"It is wonderful that we have been able to support this project through this funding scheme.
"This is a great opportunity for us to not only give back to the community we work in, but also strengthen our relationship with it."