In the last of the late summer September sunshine, St Mary’s hosted the long-awaited official opening of the new Library.

The gardens of the apple orchard next to the new Library, were filled with music, courtesy of our talented vocalists and instrumentalists.  The school and wider community of parents, alumnae and staff enjoyed drinks and delicious cupcakes, which were decorated with sugar paste versions of famous novels!

Dr Kirk welcomed everyone to the library and introduced guest of honour, alumna and celebrated author Eva Rice (1993).  Eva gave an entertaining and heartfelt speech that spanned the life lessons she had learned from the top 10 books she had read at Calne. She finished by taking the opportunity to return ‘No Direction Home’ Bob Dylan’s autobiography borrowed from the Coulter library in 1993!  Sixth Form students Issy and Elan also spoke about what the new library meant to them and of the significant benefits that it had brought to their study and learning and Head Girl Khalilah closed proceedings by thanking Eva for her most enjoyable speech and presented her with a gift on behalf of all at Calne.

As Eva signed copies of her best-selling novel The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets, many guests were able to take the opportunity to explore the fabulous spaces in the library for the very first time.

The whole occasion marked the perfect ending to 3 tremendous days of sunshine filled Leaf to Leaf celebrations at Calne.