New library bus is just the ticket

Did you hear the story about the generous businesses who rallied round to create an amazing school library out of an old bus?

St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary School in South Bank is so popular it’s bursting at the seams and its old library is often called into use for other purposes, including an after-school club.

Reading lead Melissa McCarthy wanted to find somewhere more suitable for children to read and came up with the brainwave of writing to local bus companies.

Gary Chisholm, from Stagecoach North East, replied instantly with the offer of a bus. The problem then was how to adapt the bus for its new purpose.

Fortunately, St Margaret’s teacher Helen Adams’ husband Alex is the UK operations manager of Titan Trailers, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of trailers for the logistics and recycling industries.

“At first I said we’d be able to put in some bookcases and shelves and a few plant pots,” said Alex.

“But when I thought about it, I realised we had the skill set to do a bit more and take it on as a community project. I told our guys on the shop floor and said we would appreciate any help they could offer out of hours.

“We then contacted various suppliers who help Titan Trailers. Everybody was happy to chip in, and with the skill-set of our staff, we could fill the gaps.”

PPG Paintline, Jack Mannix Carpets, Park Electrical and Render Alarms all offered their products or services for free.

Some of the workers involved joined parents, carers and the school’s pupils –who had dressed up to celebrate World Book Day – for the official opening of the library bus.

Headteacher Claire McNicholas was full of praise for the amazing team of volunteers Alex put together.

“Reading is paramount for children’s development. We want children to be passionate about reading and become lifelong readers,” she said.

“It's at the core of our curriculum and we want them to enjoy it and we think this will ignite that passion and interest.”