Creating a reading culture

Everyone knows how essential reading is as a cornerstone of educational development. But it can be hard to convince children that reading is fun when some lack confidence and others simply prefer electronic media.

At Opening the Book we have a deep experience of successfully engaging children in reading through promotions, book display, games and websites.

We understand the psychology of reading – the pleasures, the fears and the motivators which different children associate with different kinds of books.

We have also studied how reading is physically presented. What makes a child visit one part of a library space and not another? What tempts a child to pick up a book?

Curricular activities are clearly crucial in developing the skills of reading but developing children’s pleasure in reading is equally important. Enjoyment depends on the senses as much as the mind – and this is where BookSpace comes in.

You can create spaces with instant appeal which banish the dull image of a traditional library for ever. The visual stimulus of wonderful book covers, presented face-forward at the right height to see and touch, is irresistible.

Children of all ages expect retail standards of product presentation nowadays and will simply ignore anything less. With BookSpace it is easy to make books look good.

Creating temptations is the first step to encourage children to make independent reading choices and develop confidence with books.

BookSpace creates shapes which are both safe and stimulating, making your library a place that children want to visit. Mix in our play elements and some seating and you have a really special place for reading activities, a place which can change a child’s attitude to the whole business of reading and support your school’s ambitions to build a reading culture.