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

The aim of the Great School Libraries campaign is to advocate for school libraries, improve knowledge about their impact and effectiveness to policy makers and leaders in education and ultimately to ensure that every child has access to a school library and librarian, wherever they live and whatever their circumstance. We know that school libraries,school library services and their staff make a significant impact on children and school staff. We want to have a bold unifying vision for school libraries that all school library staff can stand behind and know the campaign is advocating for them. We know what school libraries need in the medium to long term to ensure the future of the profession and be at the heart of the school’s educational processes but want to know what you think about where school libraries are now and where they need to go in the future. We can only do this together. School library staff (and SLS staff) can take the survey here. If you're not a member of school library staff but want to let us know what you think, get in touch via our email (we will respond in the new year). Left to right: Alison Tarrant, Mary Rose Grieve, Antony Horowitz and Stuart Lawrence at the launch of the GSL report in March 2023.

If you want to find out what the press said about our national survey of school libraries check it out here. Campaign Press Coverage

If you are looking for evidence to show your school library is important, this page is a good place to start. Research into school libraries Many school librarians find their role under threat or need to find a way to ask for more budget. In order to help build a case we have put together a small list of research reports and articles that show the value of school libraries. So, whether your library is under threat or you want to put a case forward for a new initiative we hope that you will find a starting point here. Evidence Base Useful Quotes School Libraries Matter: A year of research School Library Impact Studies School libraries Literature review: Current provision and evidence impact 2017 School Libraries: Why children and young people use them or not, their literacy engagement and mental wellbeing Research on Impact of School Libraries How do librarians in schools support struggling readers - PDF Impact of School Libraries School Libraries are essential Exploring the Literacy-Related Behaviours and Feelings of Pupils Eligible for Free School Meals in Relation to Their Use of and Access to School Libraries Students need school libraries research page School Librarians as Literacy Educators in a Complex Role What is the literacy supportive role of the school librarian in the United Kingdom? How can school libraries support student wellbeing? Evidence and implications for further research National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland, Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools Revisiting Collaboration Within and Beyond the School Library: New Ways of Measuring Effectiveness Lizard People in the Library Advocacy - Proving your worth 2020 School Library Survey - SLA/Softlink

Every child deserves a great school library. This three-year campaign aims to raise awareness of the power of school libraries in literacy and inquiry-based learning. Welcome to Great School Libraries Every child deserves a great school library Sign up here Our Mission Our mission is to bring libraries and access to librarians back to every school in the UK. Use the links above to learn more about the campaign and find out how you can help. What is a great school library? “A school library is a school’s physical and digital learning space where reading, inquiry, research, thinking, imagination, and creativity are central to students’ information-to-knowledge journey and to their personal, social, and cultural growth" IFLA Guidelines "International evidence indicates schools with libraries and librarians impact positively on reader enjoyment, children’s attitudes to learning and reading outcomes and attainment. A quality school library is every child’s right. " Teresa Cremin Professor of Education (Literacy) at The Open University in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies. Judgement and expectations are putting children off reading Great School Libraries Small steps lead to big changes... Great School Libraries DONALDSON AND BOOKSPACE JOIN THE CAMPAIGN Great School Libraries WHAT'S THE FUTURE FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES? Great School Libraries Launching a school library, Radio 4 and more... Great School Libraries Primary School Librarian of the Year 2023 joins the GSL Campaign Committee Great School Libraries Great School Libraries are delighted that BookSpace are our official campaign sponsor. BookSpace is the UK's leading primary school library design service and provider of library furniture for schools. Meet the team Find out more about the team behind the Great School Libraries Campaign. Read More > keep updated Sign up to be kept informed on the latest campaign news. Read More > resources Find out more about our free resources. Read More > case studies Feel like writing a Case Study about your library for the campaign? Read More >