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September 22nd 2025
‘Ray’s Library’ was officially opened on 18 September 2025 in a heart-warming ceremony led by award-winning author and former Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, attended by Ray’s family, friends, colleagues, and representatives from a number of publishers and literacy organisations, alongside school pupils and staff.
The idea for Ray’s Library began in the most touching of ways: at Ray’s funeral, every attendee brought a children’s book as a tribute to his lifelong passion for reading and literacy. What started as a symbolic gesture soon grew into something much bigger — a full library, thousands of books, and a legacy to inspire future generations of readers.
The chosen location — Stanton Cross Primary School — sits close to where Ray lived in Northamptonshire. The new nature-themed library, complete with a striking central tree feature, was designed and fitted by Peters’ in-house interior design team.
Ray's Library at Stanton Cross Primary School, in Wellingborough, Northants
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"Ray believed deeply in the power of books and inspiring spaces to enjoy them in, and it is that belief that has helped make this very special library possible. Ray understood that a school library is far more than shelves and books — it is a place where every child can explore new ideas, visit new places and meet new characters. The moment we saw how many books people brought to his funeral, we knew we had the seed of something special. Ray’s legacy will live on in the library at Stanton Cross Primary School in every page turned and every smile sparked by a great book.” Claire Bowles, Co-CEO at Peters |
With generous contributions from across the publishing and education sectors, including leading children’s publishers, more than 2,000 books have been donated to the school. These titles reflect a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring collection — exactly the kind of library Ray would have been proud of.
Ray Dyer, who passed away unexpectedly in October 2024, was a pivotal figure at Peters for 30 years and a respected voice across the wider bookselling industry. A passionate advocate for the power of reading and the importance of reading and literacy, he worked closely with campaigns like Great School Libraries and the National Literacy Trust’s Libraries for Primary Schools initiative.
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"Here at Stanton Cross, we know that reading gifts pupils with extraordinary superpowers of knowledge, imagination and excitement, so when we were announced as the lucky recipient of Ray’s Library we were delighted as we knew how this would impact on our children. We are beyond impressed with how it looks and could not be more grateful for all the work that has gone into making "Ray's Library" the amazing and inspiring centre of our school. We are immensely honoured to have such a lasting legacy at Stanton Cross Primary School.” |
Cressida Cowell reads to pupils at Stanton Cross Primary School
Many thanks to all those who donated and contributed, including family, friends and colleagues.
Full list of contributors: Peters, NLT, SLA, The Reading Agency, Express Bonding, Beanbag Bazaar, Associate Interiors, Duo Signs, GoPak, Mark Jackson, Hachette, Macmillan, Mamma Makes Books, Maverick, Sweet Cherry/Every Cherry, Otter Barry, Nosy Crow, Usborne, HarperCollins, Penguin, Bonnier, Bloomsbury, Simon & Schuster, Raintree, Chicken House, Child's Play, Firefly, Little Tiger, Scholastic, What on Earth! Barrington Stoke, Quarto, Walker, Anderson, BookLife.
