Launched in support of the government’s pledge for a library in every primary school to help tackle the shortage of reading spaces, the competition invited pupils to design their dream school library. In total, more than 1,900 entries were submitted by primary school pupils nationwide.
Judges, including Kim O’Brien, Managing Director of Educate Magazine, said they were blown away by the standard of entries, praising the children’s creativity, imagination and clear love of reading, alongside a shared desire to create calm, welcoming spaces where they and their friends can feel comfortable, inspired and engaged.
After careful consideration, Portakabin has announced SEND school, Rowan Tree Primary, as one of two winners of its library design competition. The winning design from Manchester pupil Zaine, a creative robotic-themed library, captured the judges’ attention with its imaginative and forward-thinking concept.
The decision reflects the commitment by Portakabin to support pupils with additional needs, with the aim of encouraging a love of reading and ensuring children with SEND have access to a space designed around comfort, wellbeing and accessibility. The school will now receive a new modular library free of charge.
In addition, Portakabin also recognised the exceptional quality of entries by naming a second winner: Woodthorpe Primary School in York. Archie’s ‘Eco Library’ design stood out to the judges who commented:“The structure and thoughtfulness of this Eco Library really stood out to our judges. The sustainable approach, including solar panels and a living wall, showed real consideration, alongside a desire to bring the outside in.”
“Features such as grass-effect flooring, cloud-shaped lights and the natural, soft shapes of the bookshelves demonstrated a very architectural way of thinking. Overall, it has a very strong feel to the space.”
When speaking about the competition, Rose Newson, Year 1 Teacher at Woodthorpe Primary School said: “As a school, we are currently on a journey to enhance reading for enjoyment and reading for pleasure; therefore, we were extremely excited to enter the competition by Portakabin to win a new library.
“We launched the competition in one of our school assemblies, and all of our children were so excited to get to work on their design! At present our library provision is extremely limited both in terms of space and the range of books available to our children.
“Despite this, our pupils’ enthusiasm for reading continues to grow, and Archie’s design reflects his passion for creating a vibrant and welcoming environment where books can come to life.
Our new library will have a transformative impact on our school community, and we can’t thank the Portakabin team enough! We are incredibly proud of Archie and his enthusiasm towards reading.”
Both Zaine and Archie’s library designs will now be used as inspiration when Portakabin brings their libraries to life.
Dan Ibbetson, CEO of Portakabin, said: “The response to Inspiring Libraries has been incredible. The ideas submitted by pupils across the UK show just how powerful thoughtful learning environments can be. Selecting two winners allows us to celebrate creativity while also reinforcing the importance of inclusive spaces that support every child’s love of reading.”
Both winning designs will now be developed by Portakabin; helping to support the government’s ambition for a library in every primary school and showing how innovative design can make reading accessible to all.
