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"It will change lives": Leasowes High School’s library transformation

November 29th 2022

It had been over 18 years since Leasowes High School in Halesowen had a fully functioning library, and Peters were tasked to change that for good. From designing the plans to fitting the furniture and stocking the shelves, we were involved in every step of this exciting journey. In fact, some of our team had the pleasure of attending the grand opening!

Before: behind the scenes

Our design team wanted this library to feel fresh, with an organic flow around the room. Rowan, our library designer, used Curvano shelving to create intimate zones for quiet independent reading and cosy breakout spaces for small group study.

Rowan's CAD 3D design brought to life in the new library

Peters also specially selected the new books to fill this library design. “A library stocked with good books is a truly integral part to the teaching and learning process,” says our curriculum specialist Zeena, who curated Leasowes’ bespoke selection. Zeena chose titles based upon the pupils’ needs, interests and abilities, as well as the expert reviews of our team. She adds: “A wide range of stimulating books will not only inspire a love for reading, but also to promote curiosity and stimulate interest in other areas."

After: the grand opening

While the opening of Leasowes’ new library is the end of our involvement with Leasowes’ reading journey for now, it is the beginning of a reading transformation at the school. Assistant headteacher Ms Atherton told us that the students are very excited and the library has now been inundated with students wanting to borrow books.

Former footballer and author Seth Burkett spoke to the children about his career journey, his determination to succeed, and his love for reading as a teen. During his passionate talk, he emphasised that students should not give up on their goals.

The launch of Leasowes High School's new library, with headteacher Mr Mynott and author and former footballer Seth Burkett

Student librarians have also been appointed to promote the library to other pupils. We are so pleased to know that this new library will be a dynamic space, and that the children will be actively involved in maintaining it.

“It’s really important that the books become alive.”

Mr Mynott, the headteacher of Leasowes High, expressed his gratitude to us as well as how a fresh library space can help revitalise engagement with reading. He also described how the pleasure of reading can change young people’s lives and give them better outcomes for the future – a mission Peters is grateful to support through our work.