New library opens at Riverside Primary School

Sep 24 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

CHILDREN at a Livingston school were brought to book with the opening of their new library.

Riverside Primary School in Craigshill, opened its new school library last week.

And to mark the occasion, the children dressed up as their favourite character from a book, with each class nominating the best-dressed character to accompany West Lothian Council’s director of education Gordon Ford to the library to cut a ribbon.

Gordon Ford commented: “I am delighted to have been asked to officially open the library. I know that everyone has put in a great deal of hard work.

“The library offers a space for pupils to choose books, research and understand how a real library works in an environment that is conducive to effective learning.

“It’s also great news that many parents are interested in helping out in the library on a regular basis.”

Head teacher, Margaret Leighton, said: “The junior librarian system has been put in place in the library to allow children to scan books in and out.

“This encourages the children to use the library responsibly and enhances their existing Information Computer Technology (ICT) skills at the same time.

“All of the children will enjoy some refreshments in their classes after the opening.

“Our twice-yearly scholastic book fair commission has funded lots of the new books going into the library and our next step is to run a sponsor a book scheme to help boost the number of books we will have available.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support.”

The project was part of the school’s Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) follow-through plan.