Blog
Supporting the Great School Libraries campaign
At BookSpace, we believe every child should have access to a well-resourced school library. Yet despite a wealth of evidence proving that school libraries have a positive impact on pupil attainment, wellbeing and attitudes towards reading, recent research shows that one in seven state primary schools does not have a designated library space and two thirds don’t have an allocated library budget.
To help promote the importance of school libraries, BookSpace has recently joined Phase 2 of the Great School Libraries campaign along with renowned children’s author, Julia Donaldson.
In a joint initiative led by CILIP, CILIP SLG and the School Library Association, the campaign’s aim is to improve school library provision and ensure school libraries receive adequate funding, resources and recognition so they can continue to facilitate a lifelong love of reading.
In a recent video released by GSL, Donaldson talks about the impact of school libraries and how children benefit from having access to books and knowledgeable staff who can ‘put the right book into the right child’s hands, so that they can create the readers of the future’.
Why are school libraries so important?
Provide access to books
School libraries provide children and young people with free access to books, giving them opportunities to engage in reading during the school day and take books home for further enjoyment.
They expose pupils to different authors, genres and offer a variety of reading resources such as graphic novels, comics, manga and newspapers.
Well-resourced school libraries play a pivotal role in encouraging pupils to read widely and build confidence around books.
“1 in 10 children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds do not have a book of their own at home.” (Cole et al., 2022)
A gateway to knowledge
School libraries serve as a gateway to a world of information. From historical texts about ancient Egypt to books that explore the furthest reaches of the solar system, school libraries offer a diverse collection of resources that cater to student’s varied interests and encourage them to explore subjects beyond the classroom.
Support reader development
A great school library goes beyond the physical layout and books. The school library should be a welcoming space where children are encouraged to talk about books, make recommendations to peers and read for pleasure. Well-trained school librarians can gain a deep understanding of pupils’ reading interests and preferences and use this knowledge to support them in their reading journey, making suggestions and helping to cultivate lifelong readers.
“The most important asset of any library goes home at night” Timothy Healy, former president of the New York Public Library
Strengthen pupil attainment
There is a considerable body of research that shows reading for pleasure has a positive impact on pupil attainment and school libraries are an important part of this.
Not only do they serve as the reading hub of the school, they also help to improve reading scores, develop writing skills and nurture both independent and collaborative learning.
A positive impact on wellbeing
Aside from benefits to pupil attainment, research also suggests that school libraries play an important role in supporting pupil wellbeing. School libraries offer a safe, inclusive space for children and young people to relax, free from the expectations of the traditional learning environment.
“Children and young people who are least engaged with literacy are three times less likely to have high levels of mental wellbeing compared with their most engaged peers” Clark and Teravainen-Goff, 2018
Access to technology
School libraries can also provide pupils with a digital space where they can access technology and online resources. Here they can learn how to navigate digital platforms safely and to hone skills needed to use technology effectively for research and learning.
The beating heart of the school
A good school library is at the heart of the school and engages successfully with the wider community. School libraries serve as gathering spaces for pupils, staff, parents – often providing wraparound care for breakfast and after-school clubs, hosting book clubs, author visits, book fairs and any other events that celebrate literature.
School libraries play a crucial part in developing a school-wide reading culture, encouraging dialogue and creating a sense of community for everyone to enjoy.
“Reading unlocks a world of new possibilities for children, and libraries are a key part of this story”
Cressida Cowell, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2019-2022
The Great School Libraries campaign
The Great School Libraries campaign is an evidence-based campaign that seeks to improve children and young people’s life chance, literacy and attainment. To find out more, visit www.greatschoollibraries.org.uk
To follow more of our work and see how we are supporting the Great School Libraries campaign, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Back to blog page.