CHILDREN in Hadleigh are devouring books today after a state-of-the-art library opened.Hadleigh High School has transformed its decrepit old library into a flash facility that it hopes will encourage pupils to cuddle up with a book or two.

CHILDREN in Hadleigh are devouring books today after a state-of-the-art library opened.

Hadleigh High School has transformed its library in a bid to encourage pupils to read more.

The school's headteacher, Cathy Tooze, said: “The old library was rather tattered and worn and was also rather small so wasn't meeting the needs of the pupils.

“Modernising the library is an essential element of the school's plan to improve the students' academic performance.

“The team involved in this project has striven to create the right environment for private study and individual learning.

“We want to encourage learning for its own sake.”

And it was not just the headteacher who was excited by the library.

Pupil Stephen Johnson, 13, of Jordayn Rise in Hadleigh, said: “It just looks really airy now and a place I'd want to come at lunchtime and do my homework.

“I like reading and this will possibly make me do more as it has got loads more books.”

The library was opened by renowned journalist Francis Wheen who said: “It is wonderful to see this library.

“There is still nothing to match the pleasure and the effect on the imagination of delving into a book.”

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