R J Ellory and headmaster Nick Seward in the new library

Award-winning author helps celebrate new school library

Kingham Hill School welcomes guests to new library with writer and alumni, R J Ellory

Posted by Stephanie Broad | September 29, 2016 | Facilities & buildings

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Kingham Hill School recently welcomed guests from the community to a special event to celebrate the opening of its new library and how reading can create a positive influence for those in education. 

The new school library was officially opened by humanitarian charity founder, Baroness Cox, at the school’s Speech Day in July. 

Celebrating the theme Tolle Lege, take up and read, the day gave the chance for invited guests to tour the new £3 million library and listen to a talk from award winning thriller writer and former Kingham Hill School pupil, R J Ellory.

Ellory spoke about how a number of historical icons and his grandmother inspired him to become a reader and how this encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming an author. 

Taking the time to speak to enthralled pupils at the school, Ellory said: "Once again, this was a wonderful opportunity to revisit a very significant period of my life. Every moment I spend at Kingham Hill reminds me how significant the years I spent there actually were in determining the direction I took in life. Not only academically priceless, but also an invaluably life-affirming and formative experience for everything I have undertaken as an adult. I am truly proud to be an Old Hillian." 

Nick Seward, Kingham Hill Headmaster, commented on the importance of reading for younger people: “Since opening our new library it has become the academic heart of the school. I am so proud to see our pupils grasping the opportunities to learn inside and outside of school with both hands. This is something we wholeheartedly encourage as reading allows children to explore and learn from the world around them every time the pick up a book.” 

The school library build was completed earlier in year and designed by Kingham Hill School alumni, Mark Foley who is an architect at Burrell Foley Fischer. The new build is three times the size of the previous library and houses seminar, reading and studying space. 

The library development follows the opening of Veritas, the schools maths, science and geography building in January 2015. A new sports hall complex is currently being planned as part of the school’s 15-year vision. 

www.kinghamhill.org.uk