Community rallies to create new school library in Norwich

The children of Lionwood Infant and Nursery School will soon benefit from the new library after a successful cheese and wine fundraising event.

The fundraiser was held on November 7 at St Matthew’s Church and was organised by the Lionwood Infant School Library Fund, a charity set up by parents.

The event was spearheaded by Dr Anna Storrs and was attended by children's author and illustrator Nick Butterworth, who is known for the Percy the Park Keeper series.

Over £2,000 raised by the community to create school library in Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich (Image: Jamie Simonds)

During the event, Mr Butterworth spent time with the children and read stories before having an evening with parents where he shared the "joy and importance" of reading to children.

The author also signed books and auctioned artwork, including an original piece.

Dr Storrs, who is a local GP, set up the charity in October 2023.

She said: “I am over the moon.

"We’ve raised just over £2,000 with this event, the community has come together in amazing ways to support us, and the evening was just pure happiness.

"Altogether we now have raised more than £5,000 which will enable us to open the library some time next year.”

Community raise over £2,000 for new library in Norwich (Image: Jamie Simonds)

Ms Thorpe, head of the school, said: “We want to immerse the children in high-quality books to help bridge the vocabulary gap many of our students face.

"Access to a library is essential for their educational development and overall future outcomes.”

The Lionwood Infant School Library Fund plans to continue its fundraising efforts to create a "brilliant space" with a diverse collection of classic stories and new releases to cater to the 260 children the library will serve.

Donations from individuals and businesses can be made on JustGiving.

For more information, contact Sabelline Hill-Chicot at 07748812127 or email lionwoodinfantschoollibrary@gmail.com.