A new reading area inspired by woodland environments has been unveiled at Edward Feild Primary School in Kidlington.

The forest-themed library space was officially opened on April 17 after a major fundraising campaign and considerable backing from the local community.

Prize-winning author and Oxfordshire Book Awards supporter Jo Cotterill formally opened the facility, which holds 2,500 books and replaces a library that had served the school for 30 years.

Ms Cotterill described the fresh library as wonderfully bright. She reflected that a library was always her sanctuary and there is something uniquely wonderful about being in one. She noted that the ability to borrow books at no cost and read them is genuinely incredible. She explained that in a library, you can experience journeys you cannot have in reality and you may not emerge as the same individual who entered.

During the event, she read extracts from her first book Moondance and donated a copy to the new collection, along with her most recent publication.

Headteacher Scott Lewis described this as not merely a room containing books but a sanctuary. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Jo Cotterill for inspiring them today, and to the Friends of Edward Feild. He said they are deeply indebted to their volunteers, who helped them accomplish what seemed impossible by completing this in just 12 days.

Assistant headteacher Chris Tupling explained that the woodland design was an intentional decision to bring the calming, creative advantages of forest school into the classroom setting. He noted that in a year when they are celebrating the pleasure of reading throughout the country, this library offers the ideal atmosphere for their students to cultivate an enduring appreciation for books.