Middleton Shopping Centre sets up book exchange in partnership with local primary school

L-R: Mr Torr, Ruby, Grace, Rosie, Marie Gribben

Middleton Shopping Centre has forged a partnership with a local primary school to encourage people and children to pick up a book and read.

The shopping centre has unveiled its brand-new book exchange with Alkrington Primary School, named the ‘Mindful Nest’ to coincide with World Book Day.

This library has been erected within the shopping centre to encourage a passion for literacy in the Middleton community, and local residents of all ages are encouraged to donate and take books.

It is designed to improve access to books and, more specifically, the shopping centre team will work with primary schools in the area as they work hard to further strengthen their pupils’ love of reading.

Middleton Shopping Centre manager, Marie Gribben, said: “The local community is at the heart of everything we do here in the centre.

“This partnership with Alkrington Primary School is a demonstration of our commitment to support younger people within our community and give them increased access to both fiction and non-fiction books.

“We’re thrilled to open the Mindful Nest book exchange to the public and we hope that people of all ages will enjoy the free books for many years to come.”

Middleton Shopping Centre has also worked on a number of initiatives with Alkrington Primary School, including an NHS mural design which is now installed in the centre.

Marie was joined by representatives from Alkrington Primary School including Year 6 Teacher Mr Torr, Ruby aged 11, Grace aged 11 and Rosie aged 11. The children are voluntary librarians at the school and were given the opportunity to officially declare the book exchange open.

Alastair Torr, Assistant Head Teacher of Alkrington Primary School, said: “As a school, we are incredibly passionate about instilling a love of reading within all of our pupils.

“The importance of reading, especially in younger primary school age children, is vital in their educational development, so initiatives such as this will make a strong impact in our community and I’m sure it will be well received.

“We were delighted to be invited to Middleton Shopping Centre to officially open the Mindful Nest and we hope that our pivotal role in the opening will encourage our young readers to help themselves to the books available on a regular basis.”

The Mindful Nest is located on the second floor of Middleton Shopping Centre and visitors are able to help themselves to the books available at no cost. You can also donated pre-loved books at the Customer Services desk located on the first floor.