Success stories
Reading project encourages library membership
24 Feb 2011
Over the past few years we have piloted a new way of working through libraries in order to encourage more disadvantaged children and young people to read for pleasure. As a result 77% of libraries have reported increased footfall. Links between local schools and libraries have been strengthened with over 90% of libraries believing they will work more with their local school as a result of the programme.
Hosting events in the library allows children to become more familiar with the space and the librarians. The children learn about the facilities and titles available at the library and are often given the opportunity to join.
As our recent research has proven, young people who use their public library are nearly twice as likely to be above average readers than peers who don’t visit their library, meaning our work could have a real impact on the educational success of children across the country.
Following the success of the pilot, this way of working was rolled out and this year over 4,500 primary-aged children and over 1,000 early-years children will take part in the Young Readers Programme through their local library. Find out more about how you can support our work in this area.
