The Duchess of Cornwall has heralded the power of books and implored Brits to join her crusade and get millions of children reading.
Camilla is spearheading campaigns to recruit hundreds of primary schools to get involved in new campaigns set to revolutionise libraries across the country.
After years of chronic under investment up to one in four schools in the most deprived areas do not have a library.
Despite experts agreeing that when children read for pleasure they get better grades at school, show more empathy towards others and report higher levels of wellbeing, there is no statutory requirement for schools to have one.
The National Literacy Trust and publisher Penguin Random House founded the Primary School Library Alliance to help transform 1,000 primary school libraries by 2025, giving them the books, and teachers the training and support they need.
Other programmes including the Puffin World of Stories and Chase Rewarding Futures school library programme are helping thousands of children find their passion in reading.
To kick off the new school term, schools in the most disadvantaged areas across the country are invited to access these programmes which can provide free books, revamp existing libraries or even build a completely new one to entice a new generation of readers.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Camilla said: “We all know the power of a good book and the impact it can have on reading and writing skills, as well as wellbeing.
“I am delighted that so many schools will benefit from this wonderful legacy of mini libraries and I’d love to see more children benefit from reading books like these to improve children’s wellbeing long into the future.”
Earlier this summer school children the Duchess visited Millbrook Primary in Newport in South Wales to officially open their new school library.
As part of her 75th birthday celebrations Camilla unveiled her ‘Birthday Books’ scheme, aimed at giving 75 primary schools in disadvantaged areas across the UK, a wellbeing-themed mini library.
The campaign became an immediate success, reaching 25,000 pupils in the first few weeks giving access to special ‘kinderboxes’, with titles covering the full primary school age range from 4-11 years, selected with the input of children and young people.
Camilla added: “The Duchess’s Birthday Books kinderboxes are full of titles that promise endless adventure, comfort, excitement and joy to young readers.”
Rebecca Colkett, English lead at Southern Road Primary School in Plaistow,
East London, told how “unique and simple” the NLT programmes were to access, leading to huge benefits for her students.
She said: “It couldn’t be easier to get involved, the help and assistance is there from day one and the impact it has had on our children has been immediate.
“For children who live and go to school in typically disadvantaged areas it’s a very real possibility that they may go through their entire childhood and not own a single book.
“Having access to a school library can be absolutely vital in their development and overall wellbeing.
“If you are a school wondering how you can improve your library or even start one up, this is the perfect opportunity.”
As schoolchildren around the country prepare for the new term, the NLT is also launching the Reading Zone Challenge across the UK, tasking pupils with reading two books and sharing their progress with classmates on a free A1 poster for free, which they’ll receive ready for the launch on September 13.
Schools can submit their posters and class photographs to also have a chance of winning free supplies including beanbag reading chairs and new books.
Fiona Evans, Director of School Programmes, National Literacy Trust, tasked schools as well as high profile businesses to get involved to change the futures of children around the country, saying: “We know that when children are able to enjoy reading for pleasure and access books they want to read,
this has a positive impact on their wellbeing, their academic performance and their chances of doing well in life.
“To fulfil our mission to transform 1,000 school libraries by 2025 and support hundreds of thousands of children, we need partners with different experiences, skills and perspectives. We’d love to hear from any businesses, authors, education or publishing partners keen to join us.”
- If you would like your school to get involved with one of the NLT’s programmes, contact The Primary School Library Alliance | National Literacy Trust.
