The Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers Association (CLOA) warmly welcomes the Education Committee’s report on Reading for Pleasure and its recognition of the vital role that public libraries, schools, local authorities and communities play in fostering a lifelong love of reading.
The report identifies reading for pleasure as far more than an educational issue. Reading supports children’s wellbeing, creativity, empathy, confidence and achievement, while helping to build stronger, more connected communities.
Donna Pentelow, Chair of CLOA, said:
“This report provides a compelling and timely call to action. CLOA strongly supports the Committee’s conclusions around public libraries as trusted, welcoming and inclusive spaces that provide free access to books, stories, learning and social connection. They are uniquely placed to support children and families throughout their lives, from the earliest years through to adulthood.
“CLOA strongly supports the Committee’s recommendations that public and community libraries play an essential role in supporting children and their families to access books, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and these proposals recognise that every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy of reading, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
Local authority library services across England already play a crucial role in supporting literacy and reading for pleasure through programmes such as Bookstart, the Summer Reading Challenge, story and rhyme sessions, family learning activities and partnerships with schools and early years settings.
As a statutory local government service and an integral part of local cultural provision, libraries are uniquely placed to support reading throughout a child’s life. CLOA agrees with the Committee that sustained investment and national leadership will be essential if the decline in reading for pleasure is to be reversed.
Donna Pentelow added:
“Libraries are often one of the last remaining universal public services in a community. They bring together children, families, schools, health services and community organisations in ways that few other places can. We know from experience that when children have access to books, inspiring spaces and skilled library staff, their confidence and enjoyment of reading grows.
“We look forward to working with Government, Arts Council England, Local Government Association, Libraries Connected and other key stakeholders to help deliver the ambition set out in this report and ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of reading.”
Footnote: CLOA Chair Donna Pentelow gave evidence to the Education Committee’s inquiry into reading for pleasure on 19 May 26 outlining the barriers to engagement, reasons for declining participation, and the vital role of public libraries.
