JISCMail - LIS-PUB-LIBS Archives

“Libraries, both school and public, can play a vital and important role in addressing the standard of literacy amongst the young. Libraries play a key supportive role in many children’s development, but this supportive role is becoming increasingly difficult as funding is cut and libraries are closed. This is not to say that libraries are the magic bullet to cure low levels of literacy, but it is undeniable that they can play a key role. Well stocked libraries staffed by knowledgeable professionals who are able to support and understand the educational needs of children can play a key role in ensuring high levels of literacy amongst the next generation. As research by the National Literacy Trust has previously shown, children who use the library are twice as likely to be above average readers. If we want to improve literacy levels, libraries must be central in the drive to achieve this.”