Today is a landmark moment for everyone who works to ensure children have access to libraries within their schools. The chancellor Rachel Reeves' announcement that the government will fund a library in every primary school for the 1 in 7 who don’t currently have one, is excellent news for all UK primary school children, as well as their teachers, parents and carers.
Providing books, training for teachers, resources and modular furniture is a vital kick-start for any primary school without a library. This initial investment and the addition of dormant asset funding is an exciting opportunity to implement new primary school libraries where they are most needed.
To be successful, the investment must also be backed up by regular opportunities for school communities to use their new library as a living, breathing space. We know that this only happens when time, funding and staffing is ring-fenced year on year for school libraries. Every school community should be equipped with the skills and funds they need to maintain, manage and promote their school libraries, to engage as many children as possible with the library, now and in the future, and to realise the true potential of the new space they will be given.
We believe that a dedicated member of staff is essential to the sustainability and success of any investment in school libraries. A school librarian knows how to speak to people who are disengaged from reading about reading; can increase the visibility of books and reading within their school community, and can promote reading as a social activity, that deepens connection between pupils, staff and families within a school community. They can develop book collections and deliver library lessons, with high quality reader development and research skills support; can lead on whole school community reading initiatives and support teaching colleagues with knowledge of children’s literature and curriculum resources. In short, a librarian can bring the potential of a library to life.
Victoria Dilly, CEO of the SLA said: "This announcement is a hugely important step in working towards a library for every child and young person in the UK. We are excited for all those school communities who will benefit and are keen to ensure a sustainable framework of support. Those of us privileged to work in school libraries know the value and impact they can have when they are well-resourced and run by knowledgeable staff.”
Time for children to make use of the library, ongoing funding, and training and resources for library staff with continued professional development, are all essential to ensure that schools can gain the maximum benefit from their library for the children and young people they support.
The School Library Association supports all schools who want to develop their library provision. We are experts in school libraries who have been working with all types of schools for nearly 90 years to ensure every child and young person has access to a welcoming, well-stocked and supportive library, with trained staff in place. We know that this is how to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning that will carry well beyond primary school.
The SLA is proud to celebrate excellence in primary school libraries with the Peter Usborne Primary Library of the Year Award. Find out more about this year's Honours List schools: Dorrington Academy (pictured), Mangotsfield Church of England Primary School and Upton Meadows Primary School.