Illustrator Michael Foreman invited to join Oasis Academy Putney to celebrate the re-opening of their new library

Staff and pupils at Oasis Academy Putney were delighted to have the pleasure of popular children’s books author, Michael Foreman, at the re-opening ceremony of their newly refurbished school library.

Thrilled that their library is now open for use again, staff and students started the day off with a whole school assembly, where the pupils were met by legendary illustrator and author of children’s books, Michael Foreman.

During the assembly, pupils presented thank you cards to Michael, as an expression of gratitude for his attendance of the special occasion. Pupils also gifted hampers for Founder of The Scrubbery, Rosie Taylor-Davies, and volunteers Catherine Lalani, Vanessa Graham, Lindsay Sabin and Suzy Johnston, who were all involved in the long-awaited re-opening of the school library.

To continue the celebrations, author Michael was invited to officially open the renovated library, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a special plaque designed by the Academy to commemorate the event.

Each year group were then brought upstairs to tour the amazing library and had a chance to have their own Michael Foreman books signed by the author himself.

The library has a wide variety of genres available for the pupils, as well as spaces for them to relax and enjoy some quality time reading their favourite books.

The library re-opening has been a community project between the Academy and ‘scrub hub,’ The Scrubbery, and their volunteers who are based at the school site to help re-organise the library, scanning the books onto an online system and placing plastic covers on the books.

The Scrubbery did a fantastic job with the library, it has unique designs adorned on the library walls and handcrafted cushions made by the volunteers for the pupils to use. The young pupils thanked each member involved in re-organising their school library for them, with sheer joy and excitement.

Rosie Taylor-Davies, Founder of The Scrubbery said: “I know our pupils at Oasis Academy Putney have really enjoyed reading Michael’s books, so it has been an honour and a privilege to have his presence here with us for the re-opening of the Academy’s library.”

“Oasis Academy Putney hasn’t had a proper library before, rather just books on shelves, and in discussion with Rebecca Hughes we agreed to help her to make a proper library. My team and I have set up the library books and the space from scratch. The returns box, the seats around the library for the pupils are all hand-made from found wood around the school.”

“We are so proud of this achievement, but there is always more work to be done.”

Oasis Academy Putney’s Parents, Teachers & Friends Association (PFTA) also joined forces to volunteer their time and services with the re-opening of the Academy library, as one of their goals to promote social activity and foster closer links between parents/carers and the Academy.

MP Fleur Anderson for Putney was also present at the event, as well as local Vicar, Rev Dr Daniel Trott from All Saints’ Church Putney, who kindly donated children’s Bible books for the Academy library.

Head of School, Rebecca Hughes said: “The library has been a big task to tackle, and we are absolutely thrilled with the end result. Our dream library would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of The Scrubbery. The pupils of Oasis Academy Putney are so excited to have such an amazing space to get engrossed in their favourite books!”