Meden School’s new library has been officially by Dr Who novel author, Daniel Blythe. Throughout the day he ran workshops with students, signed books and answered questions from budding writers.

Daniel said the students were enthusiastic: “They have been extremely receptive, asking lots of questions and were very lively and interested in what I had to say,” he said.

“They were keen to participate and are a credit to the school.

“This is a lovely library with great shelving and lighting, which really does make such a difference. It now feels like the heart of the school.

“I feel it’s important pupils have a place they can come to that feels like a safe haven, somewhere that is friendly and welcoming. This is just that.”

The library, used since the school opened more than 50 years ago, has had a major overhaul. Work began last summer, replacing the carpet; fitting new shelving, furniture and lighting; installing air conditioning; and expanding the area to include an unused classroom.

A major part of the renovation has also been the organisation of books.

School librarians spent hours cleaning and sorting the existing books and ordering new ones to ensure the library was up to date.

Library assistant Rebecca Kennedy said: “It’s exciting to finally have this fantastic new space.

“It was so dated before and was an uncomfortable place to be. It now has a much more modern feel and is a nice, comfortable place to work and visit.

“We’re a lot more popular with the college students now and we’re finding people are spending more time here in general. I love it.”

The library, named The Learning Zone, has two designated areas —one houses all the books with lots of soft seating and quiet reading spaces; the other is for learning and study, with modern tables, booths and seating as well as computers for students to use both in and out of lessons.

The next plan for the library is to continue to update the books and install new computers.

The library is one step in Meden’s overall development plan, alongside a new college hub and canteen/coffee bar.