Thornhill Primary School is a community school with 450 children in Islington. Situated in a very diverse area, Thornhill is amongst 20% of the most deprived schools nationally with 57% of pupils eligible for free school meals in comparison to just 25% across all other state schools nationally. We want to build a library in a disused space, under arches adjacent to the school playground to put literacy and storytelling at the heart of the school. The library plans create a light filled space which will be used every day by the children and be open around school hours. The design was developed hand in hand with the children taking ideas from mini libraries they created from cardboard boxes. The library will also become a hub for book readings, poetry recitals and events for the local community in Barnsbury. We have already raised £100k towards the project and are looking for £50k to complete the build.

What we'll deliver:

• Lay foundations and floors
• Joinery, carpentry, windows doors and glazing
• Electrical systems and plumbing
• Furniture and decorations

Why it's a great idea:

Reading is more important to children's cognitive development than their parents' level of education or social class. Reading can help tackle life's big challenges, from social mobility to mental health. We are determined that our new library will benefit every child at our school, giving access to books for kids who may not grow up with them at home. Our library will provide a sanctuary for children to read and be inspired by books. It will enhance the school curriculum by allowing teachers to expand on ideas and classwork. And it will also build confidence by supporting creative writing and storytelling - helping our kids develop life skills and a love of books. Once our library is built we want to open it up to the community for everything from author events and poetry readings to book clubs. Let’s turn Thornhill Primary into a buzzing literary hub for all our friends and neighbours.

Steps to get it done:

• Laying foundations
• Building fabric
• Internal fit and furniture
• Stocking the library with books and materials

We have raised £100,000 from charitable grants, parents and neighbours via direct donations, a fun run on Highbury Fields, quizzes, and numerous cake sales organised by the kids, showing how much passion there is for the new library. We are now looking to engage the local community to help reach our funding target of £150,000.