Library cards for Reading school pupils

School children across Reading are being offered their own library cards to encourage even more of them to take up the opportunity to explore the borough’s libraries.

The Council’s library service is inviting schools across the borough to sign up to the programme which gives all pupils access to a world of books, digital resources and much more.

The scheme was launched in the new school year as part of the National Year of Reading which aims to help more people discover the joy of reading.

Reading Libraries partnered with Geoffrey Field Junior School, Katesgrove Primary School and Hartland High School to trial the scheme earlier this year and it is now being rolled out to more schools across the borough.

Library cards can be used by children in any of Reading’s six local libraries which have recently benefited from a £500,000 investment.

They can also explore the new Reading Central Library in the Civic Centre which contains a children’s library and dedicated teen area with age-appropriate books and graphic novels, shared study spaces and relaxed seating.  

There are also around 100 work or study spaces with access to free wi-fi, free-to-use tablets and computers, as well as thousands of fiction and non-fiction books.

Rebecca Brown, Headteacher of Geoffrey Field Junior School, said:

“We really welcomed being part of the library card initiative, especially given that it is the National Year of Reading which we are taking part in as a school.

“We are very lucky to have a large school library on site but we wanted to encourage children to access books outside of school for reading for pleasure. A phenomenal 63 families took up the offer of a library card to be organised. 

“It has really encouraged our children to visit the library and to explore the activities available to them. Thank you!” 

Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:

 “Access to so many different forms of entertainment has contributed to a significant decline in reading enjoyment among children and young people in recent years which is a worrying trend.

“Reading not only opens our minds to new worlds and ideas, it inspires our imagination and sparks curiosity.

“Offering library cards to school pupils makes it easier for children to visit their local library where they can browse books, sit and read and study.

“They can also discover all the other resources on offer and get to know the library as an enjoyable and comfortable place to be.”   

Any schools interested in the scheme can contact the library service at info@readinglibraries.org.uk.