The library at Mintlaw Academy will undergo a £600,000 makeover to create a new space that is being grandly dubbed a “learning plaza”.
It will include new study areas for pupils, a resource centre for teachers and an information technology suite.
There would also be “book hives” where youngsters can sit among the library’s latest titles.
Council chiefs have put the contract for the changes out to tender with firms interested in the project having until April 11 to register their interest.
Construction would start in the summer, with the project to be finished by the end of November.
Pupils, parents and staff have all been involved in putting together the blueprints for the improvements.
Mintlaw Academy’s headteacher, Linda Duthie, said the entire is school was “absolutely delighted” to see the project going ahead.
“We are absolutely delighted with the concept for our planned learning plaza and that construction work is currently planned to start early in June.
“This project evolved following dialogue last session with pupils, parents and staff around key challenges across Mintlaw Academy, with our current library provision being cited as an area for improvement to support improved learning and teaching for all our pupils.
“Over this session, pupils and staff have been working with Aberdeenshire colleagues to ensure we create an environment that will genuinely enhance our overall provision at the school.”
Mintlaw councillor Norman Smith, whose own granddaughter is a pupil at Mintlaw Academy, has given the project his full backing.
He said the proposals were a “vote of confidence” in the teachers at the school
Mr Smith said: “It is something that has to be welcomed in Mintlaw and I am sure it will be well used.
“This upgrade is going to help improve education and anything that can do that is good.
“It is a big investment in the school and it is a vote of confidence in the staff.
“It will certainly keep Mintlaw Academy on track.”
Mintlaw Academy has around 750 pupils and serves the villages of Mintlaw, Longside, Strichen, New Pitsligo and New Deer.
