Investment for schools as Mayor boosts ‘Libraries for Primaries’

West Yorkshire primary schools without a dedicated library or reading space are set to benefit from new investment announced by Mayor Tracy Brabin today (19 June).

In the midst of a national ‘reading for pleasure’ crisis where only a third of children say they enjoy reading, it is estimated that hundreds of primary schools in the region could benefit from support to improve their library, book stock and school reading culture.

In partnership with The National Literacy Trust and The Julia Rausing Trust, the initial investment will go towards 83 primary schools which currently have no library facilities, with others set to benefit from training and resources.

It kickstarts the delivery of Mayor Brabin’s manifesto pledge to ensure that every primary school in the region has a fully furnished library and a trained member of staff to run it, through the national Libraries for Primaries campaign. 

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s success, so it’s a tragedy that children are missing out on the vital opportunity to develop this lifelong skill because they don’t have access to books or a quiet place to read.

“That’s why we’re working in lockstep with the National Literacy Trust to kit out libraries at primary schools across our region.

“It will help us on our mission to give every child the very best start in life, laying the groundwork for a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire with equal opportunity for all to succeed.”

Jonathan Douglas CBE, CEO at the National Literacy Trust, said:

“Reading for pleasure is at an all-time low nationwide, and yet so central to a child’s wellbeing, confidence and academic success.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority to bring libraries to primary schools across the region.”

Helen Riley, Director of Learning for English and LKS2 at High Crags Primary Leadership Academy in Shipley, said:

"The libraries programme has been revolutionary for our pupils and staff. 

“Participating in this training has inspired us to develop a hugely successful culture of loving reading throughout school. 

“It has also opened up a wealth of additional opportunities for us to explore and develop further."

Support for the campaign was pledged by the Mayor last year as part of her ambition to build a region of learning and creativity and will be funded through a boost to the now £4.2 million You Can Make It Here programme.

The extra £1.5 million investment, approved by local leaders today (19 June), will allow a range of wider initiatives designed to support and grow the region’s creative sector to be extended. This includes providing more opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to secure roles in the screen sector, further support for cultural venues to become more accessible to disabled artists and audiences, and more vital masterclasses for creative freelancers and exporters to drive growth.

Libraries for Primaries builds on the region’s trailblazing Young Poet Laureate programme launched by Mayor Brabin, The National Literacy Trust and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage two years ago. After successfully supporting thousands of children in West Yorkshire to unleash their creativity and develop their skills and confidence, a national roll out is expected to be announced this summer.

West Yorkshire schools can find out more about Libraries for Primaries and register their interest at: librariesforprimaries.org.uk/schools.

To find out more about You Can Make It Here initiatives, visit: wybusiness-skills.com/business-support/you-can-make-it-here