Chancellor pledges a library for every primary school

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that the government will commit funding to ensure every state primary school in England has a library by the end of the current parliament. 

The scheme will create libraries in 1,700 primary schools that are currently without them, and the move will be funded from £132.5m of dormant assets.

According to the National Literacy Trust, thousands of children will gain access to literacy during their early years as a result. 

It added that one in seven primary schools in the UK do not currently have a library, rising to one in four for disadvantaged areas.

Jonathan Douglas, CEO of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Today’s announcement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves will supercharge efforts to give more children and young people new opportunities to unlock the unrivalled benefits of reading for their futures, and truly cement reading for pleasure as a national priority as we approach 2026 – the National Year of Reading.”

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NEU, said: “We are pleased to see the Chancellor recognise the importance of school libraries. Cutbacks due to a lack of school funding have seen the closure of most primary school libraries. This deprives children of an essential part of their education.  

“With one in 10 children not having a book at home, school libraries encourage reading for pleasure and research is clear that discovering the pleasure in reading actually transforms life chances, including GCSE success.”

He added: “This pledge, while welcome, must be a first step in addressing the chronic funding shortfalls that mean schools lack the resources to provide engaging and successful learning in all subjects. Tackling child poverty must be a priority for this Government because family income level has such a significant impact on access to education and on children’s health and aspirations.   

“Education should be a lever by which all children and young people have a chance to succeed. For this to happen Rachel Reeves in her upcoming budget must address the funding shortfall for schools and colleges, as well as ending the two-child benefit cap.” 

The announcement also gained support from authors, illustrators and schools.

Author Richard Osman said: “School libraries break down barriers to opportunity by giving every child, no matter their background, access to a treasure trove of stories that can feed their curiosity, put them in the shoes of others and help them understand more about the world and their place in it. Today’s announcement ensures that every child in England can gain from the life-changing benefits of reading – a vital step toward boosting the futures of a generation.”

Cressida Cowell, Children’s Laureate (2019-2022) and Libraries for Primaries ambassador added: “I am absolutely thrilled with the government’s commitment to put a library in every primary school in England. This work is urgent, important and, thanks to everyone who is championing it – authors, publishers, businesses, the third sector and now the government – the possibilities for children and their futures are endless.”