Great School Libraries Campaign to focus on gaps caused by pandemic

The Great School Libraries Campaign, launched in 2018 by The Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals and the School Library Association, is moving into a second phase in response to the increasing educational and literacy gaps brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The campaign advocates for every school age child to benefit from access to a great school library, defined as a designated space, with high quality stock and supported by dedicated staff. 

The first three years of the campaign have delivered an influential UK-wide report into school library provision, the largest collection of case studies showcasing school library impact, alongside new research and toolkits into inquiry-based learning, mental health and wellbeing.   

Phase two will build on these findings and position school libraries as a key part of academic recovery and the successful provision of formal education.   

Co-chairs Caroline Roche and Alison Tarrant said: “There has never been a more important time to advocate for the role that school libraries play across so many areas of development: careers, creativity, research, building independence, wellbeing, empathy and of course, literacy and reading. It is a basic fact that education depends on reading, and school libraries have been evidenced to lead to improved outcomes for learners.”  

The campaign has secured strong support from a range of sector stakeholders including the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society, The National Literacy Trust, Book Trust, The Society of Authors, The Association of Senior Children’s & Education Librarians and The Reading Agency.  Phase two has also established a new steering committee to support the levelling up agenda including award-winning and Carnegie-nominated children’s and YA author Sufiya Ahmed alongside author and former headteacher Richard Gerver.  

Ahmed said: “I have supported the Great School Libraries campaign ever since it was launched and am honoured to serve on the steering committee for phase two. School libraries are vital to the wellbeing and education of our country’s children. They offer space for children to grow by offering stories and providing information. All of this contributes to children’s aspirations, allowing them to imagine a world beyond their bubble.   

“School libraries are a means for levelling up and no child should be denied the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves.”   

Gerver added: “Throughout my career as a teacher and as a headteacher, a well-run, well-developed library was at the heart of school culture. If our job is to help our young people develop aspirations, a sense of value and of awe and wonder, then books, libraries and skilled librarians must be a non-negotiable; they are the catalysts for so much of what really matters in education.”  

The campaign has secured sponsorship from the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society. Further opportunities are available for sector and corporate organisations who wish to support the cause. For more information visit the website.