June 11, 2022

Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell Calls for Renewed Support for Libraries After Her Term Ends

O Outgoing children’s laureate Cressida Cowell has called for a £100m investment in primary school libraries. The ex-laureate who was instrumental in overseeing six primary schools through her Life-changing Libraries initiative, wants the government to do more.

According to Cressida Cowell, it is "ever more urgent to introduce a proper, long-term" library intervention because new research shows that school libraries help to improve academic standards and foster a love of reading in children.

…they have shown interest and I really hope that they are considering” the ring-fenced fund… it would be a “lasting intervention” that would affect the lives of students long after they leave school...

Libraries in schools are not compulsory, and research shows that one out of every eight primary schools does not have any library space at all. This figure more than doubles in schools with a higher proportion of free school meals.

Last year, Cowell wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, requesting £100 million be set aside for the construction of new school libraries and the restoration of neglected ones. All of the former children's laureates, including Malorie Blackman, Michael Rosen, and Quentin Blake had signed the letter.

Speaking to the media, Mrs Cowell said, “They have shown interest and I really hope that they are considering” the ring-fenced fund. It would be a “lasting intervention” that would affect the lives of students long after they leave school. Cowell stated that she would continue to advocate for improvements after her tenure as laureate ended.

Posted in News and tagged News, Cressida Cowell, Library, Laureate
Bookmark the Permalink