When I moved from Dunedin to Christchurch as an 8 year old, I was enrolled in a school that was a lot rougher than my old school. It did not go well. I went from an outgoing, confident girl to a very withdrawn, shy introvert. In the two terms I was there (before mum and dad moved me to a better school) I spent every interval and lunchtime in the library. I read virtually every picture book in the place, and a good many of the little chapter books too. I remember the sheer relief of getting in the library door after racing through the playground when the bell went for play.

I absolutely agree. I LOVED the school library with a passion, hung out there during every break, reading a book, feeling annoyed when the bell rang... And of course, the added frustration that just before I finished a book, it would've been borrowed by someone else ;-) I'd hate to think that my children won't have such a haven to go to, if genetics have anything to do with it, they'll love books just as much as I do.

I loved the library at primary and secondary school. I'd be very upset if the future of education didn't involve libraries.

Howl's flying castle? Donnelle, I recently read while my son in hospital

I wholeheartedly agree with you - school libraries are fantastic. I kindled my love of Greek and Roman mythology with books I stumbled on in the school library.

Unfortunately, at my children's school, the library is now doubling as an overflow classroom for juniors due to overcrowding. This obviously means that it can't be used for its intended purpose which is a tragedy. Thankfully the school has just received funding from the Min of Ed to build new classrooms but I'm sure this goes on at other schools too.

Totally agree some of my best times at school were with my friends in the library reading TinTin and Asterix :-)

As an ex-English teacher and lifelong book lover, I'm not going to disagree about the importance of libraries! They serve so many purposes (including the very important one of providing a haven for social mis-fits like myself).

In terms of the book you liked, I'm wondering about 'Howl's Moving Castle' or 'The Phantom Tollbooth'. (They're both awesome, so read them even if they're not the right one).

I absolutely think that schools should have libraries (especially primary school), BUT... in this day and age I don't see a lot of point research-wise at a college level. I was having this convo with the hubby the other day that if you're doing a project you need go no further than your cellphone to get an answer. No more trying to work out that damn dewey decimal system to find a book that will give you some vague references - just a click on the internet and you're done.

Yes, library as sanctuary, very important. I wonder if they considered this when they decided to make the librarian redundant?

I was (and am) an avid reader, which for me has lead to an enthusiasm for learning, career success and brought me much pleasure in my life. My parents could never have afforded the range and volume of books I had easy access to through the school library. Many working parents would find regular public library trips logistically difficult and a limited amount of quality content is available for free online. Poorer students are not likely to have unlimited access to digital devices to make up for the lack. Support your local school library if you can!