The students and librarian of Lilian Baylis Technology School would like to thank the School Library Association and The Siobhan Down Trust for the kind grant to visit and purchase books for the school library.
Imagine stepping into a bookshop for the very first time - surrounded by rows of stories waiting to be discovered; pages filled with adventure, mystery, and new worlds to explore.
For many children and young people, this is a moment they’ve never experienced before. But thanks to the Siobhan Dowd Trust Grants for the School Library Association (SLA) members, that’s changing.
The Siobhan Dowd Trust has generously funded SLA members to help ensure pupils in areas of disadvantage have access to a wider range of books in their school libraries. Over the next 7 months, a total of £5500 will be awarded to selected schools, giving pupils the chance to visit a local, independent bookshop and spend £500 on books of their choice.
A Life-Changing Experience
For the schools selected, this grant has been more than just financial support, it has opened doors to a world of books and reading.
Lynne Keenan, the librarian from Churchill Community College, shared how impactful this experience will be: “Not many of our pupils will have been in a bookshop - they probably don’t even realise they are ‘a thing.’” This sentiment was echoed by pupils from Lilian Baylis Technology School, where only two of the seventeen pupils, had ever stepped into a bookshop before. One pupil described the trip as “wonderful” and was already planning his own return visit by bus from Camberwell!
The joy of choosing their own books was clear for all pupils:
- “It was a great morning, there was a wide range of books, and I really enjoyed the graphic novels.”
- “Very nice, neatly arranged and very pleasant shop with quality books for all ages, some of which I have never seen before.”
- “It was fun to see what they had, and I picked a variety of books.”
How to get involved
The impact of this grant is clear - it’s more than just buying books; it’s about creating memories, fostering a love of reading, and giving pupils the confidence to explore not only bookshops, but the world through Stories.
You can apply for the grant today, noting that each application is assessed on key criteria, including the percentage of Pupil Premium and Free School Meal students, as well as the potential impact of the funding.
Apply now and give your pupils the chance of the gift of choice, exploration, and a love for reading!