World Book Day’s latest research has shown that many children feel judged and embarrassed about reading. The survey results showed that 1 in 5 kids feel judged for what they read, while a quarter are made to read things they don’t want to. We were saddened to see these findings and some of the comments from children about their feelings around reading for pleasure. We agree wholeheartedly with World Book Day’s views that adults need to let go of expectations and judgements around reading and give children the chance to grow up as enthusiastic readers. If children feel shamed at an early age about their reading choices, they will miss out on the many personal and educational benefits that reading for pleasure brings. Reading for pleasure is hugely positive for children's mental wellbeing and emotional development, it helps to develop crucial literacy skills and research shows that it is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success (more so than socio-economic status). We know that motivation to read is greater when children have opportunities to make their own choices.  Every child, no matter their background or location, should have access to a range of books and the freedom to discover what they like, without fear of being judged. We believe that school libraries are absolutely crucial in promoting reading for pleasure. Every school should have a safe space to discover the magic of reading, with a wide, diverse range of books that appeal to children from all walks of life. One in five children aged 5 to 8 do not own a book of their own at home, and according to the National Literacy Trust, more than 1 in 3 parents are buying fewer books due to the cost-of-living crisis. This makes access to a school library even more important. And let’s not forget that a great school library isn’t just a room full of books. Every school library should have a school librarian, either in-house or through a school library service, who can provide children with the encouragement, knowledge and expertise they need to help develop a lifelong love of reading. There’s more detail about the findings, including some interesting comments from children around about their feelings around reading for pleasure, over at the World Book Day website.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” Margaret Mead Sometimes, it's hard to see how you can really make a difference but recently, I have been feeling more optimistic. I had written to my MP about the Great School Libraries campaign and had had a lukewarm response. I haven’t given up (I will be inviting her to every possible parliamentary event to do with school libraries!)  but I had started to think, what else can I do? I’ve been reading Alistair Campbell's book But What Can I Do?  In it he talks about persevilience, Yes it's a made-up word but as an amalgam of perseverance and resilience, Alastair states that “both are key to making meaningful change.” So, it was time to be persevilient, and try again but maybe from a different angle. It crossed my mind that perhaps in a few months time, I might have a different MP representing me and that maybe that person might have a little more time to consider the campaign than my current, tired parliamentary representative. Perhaps, if I could get him on board at this stage, he might remember the campaign if he was successful in the future. I had been following said new candidate on Twitter for a while and decided, why not - drop him a message, share some details of the campaign see if he replies. It helped that he was a teacher in a former life, someone with an interest in education. Top tip - find out what makes your MP tick. What are their interests? How can you frame things in a way that appeals to them and the causes closest to their heart? I was lucky; my message connected and we arranged to meet to talk about the campaign more. I went armed with the report, a copy of the specific questions we were asking (see the template letter) and some information about the MPs Drop In session we held in July 2023. It was a really positive meeting. I was able to share my passion for school libraries, get to know what had led him into politics and lots more. Whilst he is limited as far as current political power, he is well-connected in his party and has promised to share his new knowledge within his networks. He even offered to visit any school libraries in the constituency and to share my details with the MP local to my school. Who knows where it could lead but today, I felt I had been able to do a small something towards ensuring that every child gets the great school library they deserve. If you are looking for ways to support the campaign, why not start by writing to your MP or local candidates and join our small group of thoughtful, committed citizens just trying to change the world. Rachel Huskisson Campaign Committee member CILIP 125 Chartered School Librarian @RHusk4

Julia Donaldson has thrown her support behind the campaign, by recording a film explaining why parents should support the GSL campaign. In the film, Donaldson discusses how reading for pleasure has “the greatest benefit on children’s later achievement” and describes school libraries as “beneficial to education and to society as a whole, narrowing the gap in aspiration and ability in children.” She continues: “There’s a lot of children who do not have a lot of books at home and unfortunately a sizable number of children who do not own a single book. And not every family is accessing public libraries. “There are brilliant teachers in this country but they’ve got a huge amount on their plate and they can’t all be experts on all the books that are out there. That’s why ideally there should be a trained librarian in the library. Every school should have a member of staff who can put the right book into the right child’s hands, so that they can create the readers of the future”. Donaldson is encouraging parents to talk to their child’s teacher or headteacher about school library provision and to write to their MP to help support the campaign for change. A template letter to MPs is available on the Great School Libraries website. We are also delighted to announce BookSpace, the library furniture and design company, who have joined as our headline sponsor. Chris White, MD of BookSpace comments: “At BookSpace, we believe every child should have access to a well-resourced school library. Research has proven that school libraries have a positive impact on pupil attainment, wellbeing and attitudes towards reading. Yet despite this, two thirds of primary schools don’t have an allocated library budget and the number of secondary school libraries seems to be reducing. “To help promote the importance of school libraries, BookSpace is proud to support the Great School Libraries campaign so they can continue their work to improve school library provision and ensure school libraries receive adequate funding, resources, recognition and continue to facilitate a lifelong love of reading.” Mary Rose Grieve and Alison Tarrant, Great School Libraries campaign co-chairs, comment: “We are absolutely thrilled with this additional support for our campaign. “Our nationwide survey conducted last year showed that of the schools in the UK that do not have a designated library, 85% say that it is due to a lack of space. Bookspace have some exciting plans to support the campaign and help every school make the most of the space they have.  We are looking forward to working with them to ensure that every child has access to a truly great school library. “To have the backing of Julia Donaldson for our campaign is fantastic and we really hope it will help encourage parents to join us in calling on the government for change.”

Your case studies Reading for Pleasure/Information Scottish Book Trusts' Reading Schools scheme St Ninian's High School, Kirkintilloch Reading for Pleasure National Poetry Day Across the Curriculum Fathers Reading Week Fathers Reading Week Library Use = Impact on Grades Readathon Supporting Disadvantaged Readers Creating a new woodland themed library Library Lessons: Reading for Pleasure Show More NEW

Covid Support As both CILIP SLG and SLA have created wonderful list for school librarians to find the support they need, we have decided that this is not something that we need to repeat. Here are the links to those services we think will be useful. ​ CILIP Covid Guidance CILIP SLG Resources SLA Covid community project Ask a Librarian from GSL's Things to do when your school library is closed by Sarah Pavey Libraries Connected - Copyright rules relaxed CILIP SLG (Scotland) - Online resources for school librarians