The story of our Library, like all good stories, starts Once Upon a Time, and because some don’t realize what a journey this has been, we add - long, long ago. Back in 2000 dismay was expressed at the state of the Library and the need for upgrade. Then, early in Principal Strickland-Nurse’s tenure the dream of a well-stocked, functioning library was vocalized. When the St. Winfred’s School Association earmarked funds for a library upgrade a few years ago, it was as if the fairy godmother had visited for the first time. Then, she began to work her magic and a call came in 2007 for interested parents to form a Library Committee to oversee the fund-raising for, and setting up of, a magnificent new space. Mrs. Ruth Pink, Mrs. Sharon Acland, Mrs. Maureen Cave, Mrs. Charmaine Thomas and Ms. Ruth Hoad became the white mice and old horse who believed they could be transformed to pull the magic pumpkin coach and so they set to work.
A fundraising frenzy ensued with each lending special talents and being supported by not only Mrs. Strickland-Nurse, but Chairman of the Committee of Management, Mrs. McConney, many members of staff and the parent body. Our neighbours and friends from the community - The Peter Moore’s Trust, Cave Shepherd, Oxbridge Bank & Trust and the Haynes Memorial Trust - willingly stepped forward and provided much needed fiscal support.
A special soft furnishings area was sponsored by Virgin Atlantic, along with their commitment as partner in the School Link program by providing thousands of dollars worth of free shipping.
Nature’s Produce was an ever-present partner in the fundraising efforts. Even the Graduating Class of 2008 provided a legacy.
The dream began to take shape. The interior of the Library space was remodeled into a clean, sleek, user friendly design. Books arrived, furniture was ordered, a new computerized cataloguing system was installed and other parents became more involved. Ms. Louise Frazer, a parent, deserves special mention for her hours of entering books into the system. Deputy-Principal Mrs. St. John gets the gold medal for taking every spare moment of her time to sort the existing stock, store books and catalogue purchases and donations, plus give her valuable input on titles and categories. The Library which exists today is the culmination of this joint effort. In this new chapter, more parents have stepped forward to lend their talents and time. Some have moved on to other adventures. Student librarians will soon be trained.
A Teacher Library Committee has been formed. Policies and procedures have been communicated to the parents and students. And so, our story is now on the page before last, Cinderella is in her sparkling dress, Sleeping Beauty has just been kissed……but the story is not yet over. The Peter Moore’s Trust has waved their donation wand and soon more books will be purchased. Through proceeds from the School Link program, and our partner, Virgin Atlantic, another $2,000 in book stock is on its way.
Dragons are being slayed, fairies are dancing in the garden, new lands are being explored and lessons of history are being learned as the students of St. Winifred’s explore the wealth of information in the newly stocked Library. There is hope that this Library would remain a viable, working space, constantly upgraded and used to its maximum potential. The magic continues and those who come behind need to ensure that the story gets passed down from generation to generation with the expectation that many St. Winifred’s students will be authors of their own chapters culminating in the ending which reads “Learning Happily Ever After”.