Libraries play important role in supporting literacy

Children who use their local public library are twice as likely to be above average readers, according to research published by the National Literacy Trust.

As communities across the country campaign to save their local libraries from widespread cuts, a study of 17,089 pupils aged eight to 16 reveals that nearly half (44 per cent) of those surveyed use their public library. However, seven- to eleven-year-olds are nearly three times more likely to use the library than 14- to 16-year-olds.

The survey also found that library users are more than twice as likely to read outside of class everyday. More than a third (38 per cent) of young people who use the library believe it will help them to do better at school.

The most common reasons children gave for not going to the library were that their family does not go (52 per cent) and that their friends do not go (40 per cent).

Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust says: ‘Our research shows just how important a role libraries play in supporting literacy. In the UK today one in six people struggles to read, write and communicate, which can affect their health, confidence and employability’.