Students at a Newport school are set to benefit from a new-look library that has been completely transformed and is expected to open before Christmas.
The redevelopment project at Burton Borough School is perfectly timed as it coincides with the National Year of Reading 2026 – a nationwide celebration designed to encourage young people to discover the joy of books.
Principal Caroline Bedford said: “The redesigned space will offer a welcoming, calm environment where students can explore new interests, enjoy great books, study independently or simply take a quiet moment during a busy school day.
“This transformation has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Newport Town Council, who funded essential refurbishment work through Shuker Building & Development, including closing the open balcony and installing new windows to create a peaceful, focused space for students.”
Caroline said as well as the library transformation, this academic year every Year 7 and Year 8 student would receive a brand-new book to take home and keep.
“This project is thanks to financial contributions secured with the support of Councillor Tim Nelson, Newport Town Council, Telford & Wrekin Council and the Newport Regeneration Team.
“Students have selected their books from BookTrust’s specially curated Bookbuzz collection, choosing titles that spark curiosity and encourage reading for pleasure.
“We are also investing in new books for the school library to ensure its collection is varied, engaging and reflective of students’ interests.
“The school has also received £1,400 in Department for Education funding as part of the National Year of Reading initiative, which has allowed us to expand our book stock even further through Brown’s Books.”
Caroline added: “Reading matters at Burton Borough because it unlocks the curriculum. But our ambition goes further than academic success. We want students to discover that reading can mean curiosity, enjoyment, independence and escape. We are proud to be making reading an increasingly visible part of life at our school.
“We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Councillor Tim Nelson whose ongoing support has helped secure vital funding for both the library redevelopment and the Bookbuzz programme, and to Kirsty Finchett, the manager at Newport Community Library, whose expertise and encouragement have been invaluable throughout the project.”
