Culford School’s Library Shortlisted for International Award

28 Sep 2017

Culford School’s Library has been shortlisted for the International SLA Inspiration Award 2017. The award is given to the School library space that shows inspiration, innovation, creativity and resourcefulness in its library design and in use.

This year, a record number of applications were received for the award. After much discussion, the judges were able to whittle down the competition to three primary schools and five secondary schools. Schools shortlisted for the award alongside Culford include  American School or Madrid, Headington School in Oxford and Adderley Primary in Birmingham.

Culford’s new library build started in September 2014 and opened just one year later in September 2015. The building includes a social learning foyer, tea and coffee facilities, an 80-seat lecture theatre and a galleried mezzanine area, reserved for Sixth Formers. Headmaster Julian Johnson-Munday said, “The stunning building offers an inviting, light and open space for our pupils to go and study and a place where they can fulfil their potential as independent learners. We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award.”

Every pupil in Senior School has at least one lesson a week in the library, with many Sixth Formers coming several times a week for Private Study. In the Summer Term, the library remains open in the evenings for Sixth Form boarders which proved really popular, with 40 or more each evening making use of the opportunity to revise in such ideal surroundings.

The new library foyer lends itself to events including a poetry open mic to celebrate National Poetry Day in October, and Christmas readings around our beautiful tree in December. The Watson Lecture Theatre has also proved its worth, being used as study rooms during the exam season and for seminars, Scholars’ Lectures and meetings.

The award celebration will take place on Monday 2 October where the winners will be announced.