Oxfordshire school celebrates library's 50th anniversary

The Cooper School's library was opened as part of a major expansion in the 1970s.

It quickly became a highlight of the school due to its "unique split-level design" and entrances from both the main hall and the English department.

The Cooper School's library (Image: The Cooper School) The expansion also included extra classrooms and sliding panels to create flexible learning spaces.

Originally, the school library was a temporary setup in a terrapin building, situated between the ground floor of the original block and the science lab, which is now the Year 7 social area and new science labs.

The library, at the time, provided students with much-needed study areas, offering a quiet space for reading and homework.

The school said: "While today it's primarily accessed from the English and Student Support areas, the library remains a central hub for students and staff alike."

The Cooper School's library (Image: The Cooper School) The school acknowledged Cynthia Haynes, its first librarian and one of the school's original staff members, who joined in 1971 when it was still known as Bicester Lower School.

It also encouraged former students and staff to share their memories of the library, saying in a Facebook post: "Were you here when the library first opened?

"Do you have memories from your time spent in the library? Share your stories with us."