Chase school libraries programme
Transforming school libraries across the UK to help more children unlock their potential, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Books.
We're championing children's literacy
Research by the National Literacy Trust estimated that 750,000 children across the UK don't have a school library, or access to books. That's why we launched our school libraries programme, to help combat the broader effects that low literacy skills can have.
Transforming school libraries across the UK
Every child deserves an inspiring place to read, filled with books to fuel their imagination.
Our school libraries programme aims to:
- improve access to books by creating library spaces
- support teachers with the training they need to foster a love of reading
- inspire children to read for fun – sparking their young imaginations
- unlock each child's potential, with skills that'll lead to future success
Improving financial skills
Research shows that children and young people who have good reading skills are four times as likely to have good financial skills compared with their peers who have poor reading skills. This is just one of the reasons we believe everyone should have the opportunity to unlock their potential through literacy.
Programme highlights so far
Since launching the programme in 2021 and funding £2m, we've:
- improved or entirely transformed 312 libraries –impacting 107,827 pupils
- part-funded 140,400 books with Penguin Books, who've generously funded 80% of the books delivered to each school
- reached over 63,000 children across the UK through virtual and in-person author visits
Working together in 2024
This year, together with the National Literacy Trust, we're developing another 100 new library spaces across the UK. We'll be supported by Penguin Books, who've pledged to donate a huge 40,000 books. Plus, Chase colleagues will be getting stuck in, offering 75 days of volunteering – lots of books will need organising!
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