Brookvale book trail – new lease of life for library and children’s books

An Erdington primary school’s new library is one chapter nearer to opening, thanks to a novel idea from one dedicated school leader.

In a tale that could rival a David Walliams story, headteacher, turned literature detective, Stuart Day, spent half-term scouring charity shops for high quality children’s books to line the shelves of Brookvale Primary School’s new library, which is undergoing refurbishment.

His big book hunt led him across the region to Mere Green, Moseley, Lichfield and Shirley, and even London, where Mr Day collected a treasure trove of 200 classic fiction – from ‘Matilda’ to ‘Harry Potter’, Philip Pullman to Enid Blyton – for just £180. Additional purchases and donations from staff across other schools in the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) family have expanded the collection beyond 300.

Mr Day, who was an assistant headteacher at Hill West Primary School, when it relaunched its library in 2016, wants to add even more books to Brookvale’s shelves as part of the refurbishment. The revamped and larger library will include new flooring, blinds, furniture and a library system so that pupils can check books in and out.

As part of the ambitious plans to revolutionise reading at Brookvale, the school hopes to open its library doors to the Erdington community two nights a week. In addition, the facility will house a costume bank so that young readers can enter a magical space and bring their books to life by dressing up as their favourite characters.

Mr Day, whose favourite read is ‘The Little Prince’, said:

Our school is so excited about our new look library. The first mission is to fill it with great reads that fire young imaginations. Reading brings learning to life and we wanted to buy some really good quality books from the mid 1990s to 2000s. By visiting charity shops we were able to keep to budget, help charity and benefit others, and be environmentally conscious – by recycling pre-loved books we can ensure that a whole new generation can discover and treasure these classic tales.

There’s a real community drive in Erdington to treasure our libraries. We want to provide another resource for people, where parents and carers can come and read with children and foster a lifelong love of reading.”

Two children from 3, 4 and 5 have been appointed pupil librarians. They will learn how to catalogue books and tidy the library, while staff will recommend a ‘monthly read’ to

Year 3’s Deeyana (aged 8) is excited to be among one the young librarians. Her favourite books include Roald Dahl’s ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.

She said: “I love reading and I can’t wait to see the new library open – it’s going to be great!”

The school hopes to launch the library in the coming weeks and welcomes any additional support from authors, bookshops, artists, along with donations of children’s books or costumes. Please email: office@brkvale.bham.sch.uk or telephone 0121 3569973.

Lynwen Truesdale, head of retail at St Giles Hospice, said: “We are delighted that our bookshops have been able to help Brookvale Primary School with so many books for their new library.

“It’s so important to instil a love of books and reading into our children and by purchasing them from St Giles bookshops Brookvale are supporting a local charity and ensuring that quality books are reused and put to great use.

“We enjoy working in partnership with local schools and teachers, and our bookshop staff often know which books schools are looking out for and can contact them when they come in.”