Children’s Laureate heaven! Amazing library is a literacy recipe that Cressida Cowell would be proud of

One of Britain’s smallest secondary schools has one of the best libraries – the exact literacy recipe the new Children’s Laureate calls for in her Charter for Reading for every child and school.

Students at John O’ Gaunt in Hungerford are reading from a collection of thousands of new books on offer at John O’Gaunt’s £1.5 million library, with invaluable support from the school’s parent staff association and Hampshire School Library Service – exactly what new Children’s Laureate, author Cressida Cowell, wants for every school.

The incredible library was opened by Bear Grylls and author Gill Hornby and has become an enthusiastic, bright and light heart of the school.

As well as helping send literacy levels soaring, it is a busy social space for ideas and inspiration, journalism, writing, debate, the Environment and a media hub for students. 

Now the school plans to use the library for more Community Book Clubs, sharing great books, debate and ideas with the wider school community, including their local primary schools. 

JOG has just secured its first good OFSTED rating in its history after four amazing years with reading and literacy at its heart.

Librarian and author Nicola Chester said: “We are all delighted that Cressida Cowell is our new Children’s Laureate and we love her Charter. We are fully signed up to that! Our very modern library is the beating heart of the school and is transforming the education and literacy of students, as well as expanding their horizons.” 

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