BookBenches created by Salisbury school children for local library

Children at eight Salisbury schools have worked with professional artists to create BookBenches that will be located at Salisbury Library during August before returning to the schools for the children to use in the autumn.

The project to create the benches was funded by Salisbury Rotary, the Rotary Foundation and Wiltshire Council and is part of Salisbury Rotary Club’s centenary celebrations.

Nigel Brookes, Salisbury Rotary Club said, “The aim of the project was to work with schools to raise awareness of the importance of reading and its power to change children’s lives. The project focused on giving opportunities to children in Salisbury who may not normally get the chance to explore painting and drawing whilst working with professional artists.”

The BookBench project was led by professional artists Sue Martin, Helen Morgan Ford and Helen Look who held workshops to explore themes specific to each school, with children drawing plants, trees, animals, and birds and using inspirational quotes for the benches.

The schools that took part in the project were Harnham Infant and Harnham Junior, Longford Junior, Manor Fields Primary, St Andrew’s Primary, St Martin’s Primary, St Peter’s Primary and Woodlands Primary.

A BookBench has also been made for Salisbury Children’s library by local artist, Terry Kemp. This bench focuses on the support given by Salisbury Rotary to local organisations over the last century.

The BookBenches will be on display in Gallery 4 at Salisbury Library from Tuesday 2nd August until Wednesday 31st August.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Libraries said, “Salisbury Rotary Club received its charter in January 1922 and since then has raised many thousands of pounds for charitable causes both in Salisbury and around the world. We are delighted to have been able to support them in their centenary celebrations through this exciting project which has produced such beautiful BookBenches.

“We are further supporting their anniversary celebrations by hosting a range of activities in Salisbury library throughout August.”

Colouring competition for children

Saturday 23rd July to Friday 5th August. ‘100’ Trail – follow the number trail around the library until you reach the Golden 100 and receive a small token

Monday 1st August to Saturday 27th August

The colouring competition and ‘100’ trail are open to all but booking is advised for Rhyme Times, Story Times and Lego building sessions via Eventbrite. (Booking opens a week before each event)

Rhyme Time – Monday 1st August at 10am
Story Time – Monday 8th August at 10am
Rhyme Time – Monday 15th August at 10am
Story Time – Monday 22nd August at 10am

Building the Future – Lego Building Sessions

Tuesday 23rd August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Saturday 27th August, 10.30 – 11.30am

For more information, find Salisbury Library on Facebook here.