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Writer's pictureThe Library Company

Reviving the Magic of Nature: The Lost Words Library at Wilburton COE Primary School, Ely

Updated: 6 days ago



Our amazing new library has transformed the existing space to make a beautiful, inspiring, relaxing library that is the heart of our school. Children always ask to spend more time there, and it is popular during class times and lunch times with children being lost in the books. The layout is clear, attractive and easy to use, and the images we have around the library are stunning. It's the first thing I show off to new parents and they always say "Wow!".

David Aston, Head of Wilburton Primary, Ely.




THE BRIEF - 'Create a library with a wow factor'

I was met at reception by David Aston, the head of Wilburton Primary on my first visit and the excitement was evident from the start. David proudly walked me through his wonderful school to the area that would become the library. We discussed the space available for the new library and talked through David's vision for it, it was a really exciting idea that we couldn't wait to be a part of as the library was to feature graphics from the book 'The Lost Words' written by Robert Macfarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris.


THE DESIGN - 'A place for children to feel inspired to read'

We looked at the layout of the shelving, David wanted that 'wow' factor, a place the whole school could be proud of. Our task is to store the books in an effective but engaging way The library would be the hub of the school and will be used by everyone in it.


When creating the design, we looked at all the options considering all of the room's 'obstacles', the room had to inspiring whilst remaining functional and our task was to make this library the heart of the school.

Before shot of primary school library

We created a large reading nook that seamlessly fitted with the shelving along the main wall. It created a stunning visual as you walked into the room with the nook a place for the children to explore and fall in love with reading, it has an arched doorway for entrance and a couple of windows in the shelving so you can peak in and out. It is a very fun space for the children to explore, find a book and read. The shape we created allowed the space to be utilised in multiple ways with space for tables and chairs for the children to work in the space.

I would totally recommend Josh who worked with us over a long period to get our design exactly right. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and we were able to go back and forth many times to tweak the design and get it perfect. Each time, he created images so we could see how it looked and how the space was used. He also helped us make our library really unique by working with us to use specific images within the library and on the wall spaces around it.

David Aston, Head of Wilburton Primary, Ely.


THE LIBRARY - 'Children always ask to spend more time there'

During the design stage of the project, David arranged the artwork for the library from the wonderful book 'The Lost Words'. Our design team turned these wonderful images from the book into amazing wallpaper for the library as well as graphic for the tops of the shelving unit. The final is truly stunning and something we are incredibly proud to be a part of.




This whole project from start to finish was a pleasure to work on, from Davids wonderful vision to the final library install. It is truly one of kind and a place where the children can enjoy for years to come.


The installation was very smooth - Josh oversaw everything and made sure it all went to plan and to schedule, and that the finished result was something he'd be proud of too. I'm happily recommend Josh and his team - The Library Company are experts at creating magical, inspiring reading spaces and are a pleasure to work with.

David Aston, Head of Wilburton Primary, Ely.



Find more information on the book here- https://www.thelostwords.org/lostwordsbook/


Transformation video coming soon...

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