The newly refurbished Junior School Library reflects Korowa's commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading and creating environments where students can thrive.
This transformation was made possible through the generosity of the Korowa Foundation. Established in 1990, the Foundation exists to support Korowa's long term growth and enhance opportunities for students. Through fundraising initiatives and thanks to our donors, the Foundation helps bring important projects to life, ensuring students continue to benefit from exceptional learning environments.
With the support of the Foundation, and the backing of School leadership, our Library team was given the opportunity to think strategically about what a modern library could and should be for today's students. The result is a purpose designed space that supports every stage of the Junior School journey, from our youngest learners in the ELC through to Year 6.
"We saw the potential of the space to make it more inclusive, more welcoming and more purposeful," says Junior School Librarian Mairie Sullivan.
"Previously, it was functional and quite open. Now, the structure of the space matches how we want the library to work. It's peaceful, relaxing, calm and designed specifically for reading, learning and exploration."
Working closely with South Australian library design specialists, Fry Library, Mairie and the Library Team reimagined the space. From custom designed furniture and shelving heights tailored to Junior School students, to carefully selected colours, fabrics and furniture that create a sense of comfort and belonging, every decision was made with our junior school students in mind.
As soon as students enter the library, they are greeted by the tree shelf display, a playful and inviting feature designed to spark curiosity from the moment they walk through the door. Books are displayed with their covers facing outward, making stories more visible, accessible, and appealing to young readers. Interactive spinner displays throughout the space further encourage browsing and discovery, helping students engage with books in a fun and independent way.
A key feature of the refurbishment is the library’s new genrefied fiction collection. Rather than organising fiction books solely by traditional classification systems, they are grouped by genre, making it easier for students to find stories that interest them and new styles to give a go.
"Genrefying empowers students to become independent readers," explains Mairie.
"They don't have to rely on a teacher or librarian to find something they might enjoy. They can browse, discover new genres and make their own reading choices."
The redesign also supports the different ways students use the library throughout their Junior School years. Every library lesson begins in the dedicated story time area, where Mairie reads to them. ELC, Prep and Year 1 students often remain in this welcoming space, while older students spread throughout the library to explore, read independently or work collaboratively.
Purpose built study booths provide spaces for small group work, research projects and learning support sessions. These areas allow multiple activities to occur simultaneously, ensuring the library remains both flexible and functional while maintaining a calm atmosphere.
Throughout the space, reading nooks and cosy corners have quickly become favourite spots for students of all ages.
"It's been wonderful to see how every year level uses the space," says Mairie. "From ELC students discovering the nooks for the first time to Year 6 students settling into the study areas, everyone has found a place that feels right for them."
Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
"They tell us it's beautiful. They love the colours, the fabrics and the reading nooks. One student described it as a 'reading palace', which I think says everything."
The refurbishment also reflects something deeply valued at Korowa: a strong culture of reading.
Students regularly visit the library at lunchtime, enthusiastically borrowing, reserving, and recommending books to one another. The collection continues to evolve in response to student interests, and students are always eager to share suggestions with the Library Team about the books they would like to see on the shelves.
Popular graphic novels sit alongside an expanded classics collection. The Library Team intentionally selected editions with visually appealing covers to encourage students to explore timeless stories they may not have otherwise picked up. These are complemented by rich non-fiction resources that support classroom learning and inspire curiosity beyond the curriculum.
The benefits of reading extend far beyond English classrooms. Strong literacy skills underpin learning across every subject area, while regular reading has been linked to improved wellbeing, reduced stress, better sleep and increased empathy.
Building these habits starts with creating spaces where students genuinely want to spend time.
The new Junior School Library does exactly that. Most importantly, it is a space designed around the students who use it every day.
As our students' needs continue to evolve, so too will the library. A great library is never truly finished. It adapts, responds, and develops alongside the students it serves.
Thanks to the vision of the Korowa Foundation and the generosity of its donors, Korowa students now have a library that not only meets their needs today but will nurture a love of reading for years to come.
