The Jefferson Sheard designed Learning Resource Centre (LRC), at Hymers College in Hull, has been shortlisted in this year’s School Library Association (SLA) inspiration awards.
The SLA supports the role of the school library as a place 'to support reading and learning and foster a reading and information culture to promote independent, motivated readers and learners for life'. The aim of the awards is to recognise facilities which encompass these values and essentially “inspire” young people to learn.
Architect of the Hymers LRC, Clare Ailward commented “it’s always a thrill to have the buildings we design recognised by those who place as much importance as we do on the influence of the space you learn in, on the quality of learning achieved.”
“It was paramount to us through the design process to gain a deep understanding of the needs of the students at the college and work closely with them and the teaching staff to deliver a light, engaging and functional space at the core of the school.”
David Elstone, Headmaster, Hymers College praised Jefferson Sheard’s commitment to the design process “I have nothing but good words to say about Jefferson Sheard. When they tendered, they were the only ones to come and see me, explore the site and really get to grips with the challenges before they began their thinking – they understood the subtleties and the needs of the students. It showed and it’s the reason they won and we continue to work with them.”
After visiting Hymers college to assess it, the Judges said – “Hymers College, in transforming their school library, have created more than a Library – it is a school community hub at the heart of both the academic and pastoral life of the school. On the day of our visit we saw pupils of all ages visiting and using the space in different ways.
‘It has revolutionised the offer for sixth form students’ with the availability of holiday working facilities as opposed to working at home. Overall an inspiring design has been realised which puts the role of the Library and Librarian at the heart of teaching and learning.”
The winner of the six finalists will be announced on the 2nd of October at a ceremony held in central London.