Renowned Author and Illustrator Sarah McIntyre Opens New Library at All Saints Marsh Academy
All Saints Marsh C of E Academy is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newly stocked library, which took place on Friday 17th October, with special guest Sarah McIntyre, the beloved children’s author and illustrator. The new library has been made possible thanks to a generous £3,000 grant from the Foyles Foundation, which will help inspire young readers and foster a love of literature across the school community.
Sarah McIntyre, known for her vibrant illustrations and imaginative storytelling, delighted students and staff alike with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a reading session where she shared some of her most popular works and taught all the children how to draw one of her characters. Her visit marks a significant milestone in the school’s ongoing commitment to enhancing English and promoting a love of reading.
The £3,000 grant from the Foyles Foundation has enabled the school to purchase a wide range of new books for children of all ages to enjoy.
Headteacher, Liam O’Sullivan commented, “We are incredibly grateful to the Foyles Foundation for their generous support. The addition of new books to our library, coupled with the inspiration provided by Sarah McIntyre, not only enriches our library and the learning experience for our children but also helps them develop a lifelong passion for books. We believe these new additions will inspire our children to lose themselves in captivating stories, explore new worlds, and build a strong foundation for reading.”
Carly Watson, Trust English Lead, added:
“We are delighted to see how this grant will benefit our children at All Saints Marsh. High-quality texts not only support their academic journey but also ignite imagination and creativity. Sarah’s visit to the school was incredibly inspirational for the children about the power of reading and writing.”
The children themselves are already excited about the new arrivals. One pupil shared, “I can’t wait to start reading the new books! I love finding new stories and learning about different characters.” Another added, “I think reading helps me understand things better, and these new books look really fun!”
The new library will serve as a hub for learning and exploration, providing a welcoming space where children can enjoy independent reading, group activities, and storytelling sessions.