The joy and value of books

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 13th of March 2015

World Book Day celebrates the joy and value of books and reading, especially for children. St Benedict's Junior School pupils and staff marked their 18th World Book Day on Thursday 5th March 2015 with a school Read In, a much loved activity, and a Book Fair.

From 9.50am the rustle of pages and the odd giggle were the only sounds to puncture the soft silence pervading the Junior School as staff and children alike found comfy places to settle in and read quietly for half an hour. With cushions, under desks, on stairs, in corridors, or just on chairs everyone found a place to be at peace. At 10.20am the clang of the old School Bell broke reveries and jolted the school back into normal activity. It was not unlike the palace coming to life again after Sleeping Beauty had been awakened. 'I've read two chapters' boasted one happy youngster. 'Wish we could have this every week!' another added.

In the afternoon a table top Book Fair was held in the Junior School Hall under the colourful bunting for Fair Trade fortnight. Many children with their parents, grandparents and carers came to buy books and spend their World Book Day tokens. It was a cheerful occasion with over £700 worth of books being bought for future enjoyment. Commission earned on our sales will go towards improving the library stock or donating books to schools with less well-endowed libraries.