Shropshire Star

School library turns over a new leaf

A quiet corner in Shrewsbury School has been brought bang up to date with a £750,000 overhaul.

Published

Shrewsbury-based Morris Property, supported by its joinery team, are carrying out the work at the Moser Library.

Works include providing new book-shelves for over 30,000 books, crafting desks, doors and windows, as well as building and installing a raised mezzanine classroom.

A brand new central heating system will also be added as well as high-tech lighting integrated into the furniture to modernise the amenities. All desks will be specifically designed to allow students to use online resources alongside print books and journals.

The library celebrated its 100th birthday last year, and is named after former Housemaster Edward Branthwaite Moser. It provides pupils with the opportunity for quiet study and research as well as a space for lectures, meetings and exhibitions.

Jo Elliot head librarian at Shrewsbury School said: "The Moser Library is now over 100 years old. It was purpose built to house the School’s growing library of print books as well as our fabulous collection of watercolours.

"Once the work is complete, the library will also meet the additional needs of our 21st century students. New desks will provide data and power to facilitate access to online resources, book shelves will be adjustable to accommodate books of various sizes, there will be a new bookable group study room for students, soft seating in all areas to encourage reading for pleasure and a transformed art gallery which will give students daily access to the watercolours. We are really excited to see the finished results."

James West, chief operating officer at Morris Property, said: "The library is a hub of activity and we are delighted to be given the opportunity to modernise this impressive space to create an accessible and attractive place to work and study.

"We are also constructing a mezzanine floor level in the library which will expand the amount of space used by students to study."