One Upon a Library... A Castle-Themed Adventure Begins

When Pocklington Junior School decided it was time to transform their primary school library, they didn’t just want shelves and silence—they wanted stories and spectacle. With creativity as their compass and imagination as their map, they called upon Playscheme, the York-based experts in bespoke, playful environments. Together, we began a journey worthy of a fairytale: designing and building a themed school library that would inspire generations of readers.

From swords & turrets to dragon-proof reading towers, the finished castle-themed library is a triumph of creativity, craftsmanship, and child-led design. This is no ordinary school library—it’s a kingdom of knowledge.

Calling All Knights and Word-Wielders: The Student Council Steps In

One of the most exciting parts of this project?

The royal visit from Pocklington Junior School’s Student Council. These bright young minds didn’t just tour Playscheme’s York-based workshop—they helped shape the very blueprints of their future themed library. Armed with big ideas and even bigger imaginations, the children sketched their visions, from grand turrets to secret reading spaces.

Many of the library’s most enchanting features came straight from these young designers:

• The Reading Tower – a lofty nook fit for bookish knights and story sorcerers.
• The Chessboard Booth – a dual-purpose booth built for pondering pawns or sharing favourite chapters.
• The Royal Throne – because every library needs a place to crown the “Reader of the Week.”

As Steve Danby, CEO of Playscheme, shared:

“It doesn’t seem like 5 minutes since a group of children visited us from Pocklington Juniors to start the design of their castle-themed library with the design team at Playscheme. We are so excited that we could include many of their ideas in the finished installation. Everyone at Playscheme is delighted with the outcome. However, most of all, we love that the children and staff of Pocklington Juniors love it too!”

A Primary School Library Like No Other: Key Features That Cast a Spell

What makes this themed school library so enchanting? Beyond its charming concept, the craftsmanship and thoughtful detailing set this project apart.

🏰 Castle Turrets on Bookcases
Every bookshelf has been transformed into a turreted tower—turning browsing into a brave adventure. These whimsical structures invite young readers to storm the shelves in search of literary treasure.

🛡️ Portcullis Entrance
A dramatic arched entrance, complete with a wooden portcullis, signals that this is no ordinary room. Enter, ye who seek great stories!

📚 Chessboard Booth
This versatile booth offers a quiet space for sharing stories or testing wits over a game of chess—because critical thinking is a knightly pursuit!

🍽️ The Banquet Table
Designed for group activities, reading, and collaborative work, this sturdy banquet table brings learners together—just like the round table of Camelot.

🪑 The Reading Throne
A show-stopping chair that makes every child feel like royalty. Whether they’re diving into Dickens or dabbling in Dahl, every story feels epic from here.

Built to Last—With Nature in Mind

We didn’t just aim for beauty and fun—we built this school library to last, using durable, natural materials that echo the timelessness of the stories it holds.

A central material in the construction is Robinia hardwood—a stunning, sustainably sourced wood known for its natural twists and bends. Grown and harvested from FSC certified sources, Robinia contains natural preservatives and requires no chemical treatments, making it as environmentally friendly as it is beautiful.

This choice adds both character and conscience to the library. The unique grain patterns and natural durability of Robinia mean every turret, tower, and table is truly one-of-a-kind.

A Crown Jewel in the School

Headteacher Kelly Foxton spoke for everyone when she said:

“This magical addition to our school is a source of great pride!”

And it’s easy to see why. The space doesn’t just support literacy—it encourages imagination, collaboration, and confidence. It’s a space where children can explore not only books but also themselves.

Every corner of this primary school library was designed with learning, play, and creativity in mind. The environment makes reading an immersive experience, turning hesitant readers into bold adventurers.

Why Choose a Themed Library for Your School?

If you’ve ever considered upgrading your school library, imagine what’s possible when it becomes more than a room—it becomes an experience. A themed school library like Pocklington’s offers:

• Increased engagement and excitement around reading.
• A creative learning environment tailored to your school’s personality.
• A space that combines play and literacy, encouraging deeper learning.
• Unforgettable design that’s unique to your school community.

Most importantly, a custom library project gives children ownership over their space, empowering them to be part of its story.

The Final Chapter (for Now): Could Your School Be Next?

At Playscheme, we believe that every school deserves a library that sparks joy, creativity, and curiosity. Whether your vision includes castles, spaceships, forests, or even pirate ships—we’re ready to bring your story to life.

📞 Ready to begin your adventure?
Contact Playscheme today to explore your options for a themed school library. Let’s turn the page to the next chapter in your school’s story.

👉 Visit Playscheme.co.uk or give us a call. Your perfect primary school library could be just a turret away.