THE beloved ‘Bard of Barnsley’ helped a primary school celebrate the opening of their new library - which was designed and even constructed with the help of book-loving pupils.

Greenfield Primary in Hoyland opened the new library, converting a rarely-used wooden building into a warm reading space.

Pupils were involved with the project from the start, taking on trips to Hoyland Library where they were able to see how to plan out libraries, and even got involved in building the bookcases.

Deputy headteacher, Rebecca Wright, told the Chronicle: “The children helped to pick the bookcases, they helped with the layout and the children last year actually helped to build the bookcases as part of a DT project.

“All the books have been brought over from the school and alphabetised, but we’ve also bought lots and lots of new books that the children have asked for.

“They really love it and that’s what’s most important.”

Pupils will now have weekly sessions in the library and it is open for anyone who may want to access it during lunch and play times.

Books have also been donated by parents, and the school has opened an Amazon Wishlist with hopes of collecting more.

To celebrate its opening, poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan visited the school yesterday, leading a school-wide poetry workshop with the children and having them join him in performing their newly written poem before cutting the ribbon.

“I love the idea that libraries and making poems are communal things,” he added.

“A library can be the heart of a school, it really can in so many ways - it’s a learning, cultural, moral, social and practical part of the school.

“To see one that’s in a separate space is especially exciting - when I came in I thought it was like walking into Switzerland, it’s got this kind of wooden, almost sauna effect.

“It’s a wonderful place and it makes it feel special.”