Suffolk Libraries has reacted to a report released by the National Literacy Trust this month which revealed some worrying statistics about children and young people’s enjoyment of reading. The research was taken from the charity’s Annual Literacy Survey 2024 of more than 76,000 UK children and young people which revealed only 1 in 3 (34.6%) 8 to 18-year-olds say they enjoy reading in their free time. This was the lowest percentage since NLT started this survey in 2005.
Children in the East of England are among the least likely to enjoy reading in their free time as research reveals that only a third (32%) say that they enjoy reading in their free time, a decline of 27% from the previous year.
This is a timely reminder of how important reading is and an opportunity to highlight the important work being done by Suffolk Libraries and other organisations in Suffolk to improve literacy and encourage and inspire children to read more.
It’s been proven that learning to read and visiting libraries from a very young age can make a real difference to a child’s education and achievement in later life. For example, previous research from The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development found that reading enjoyment is more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socio-economic status.
Erin Hamilton, Suffolk Libraries Children’s Librarian, said:
“The reason for a child not reading for pleasure as much in their spare time can be complicated as there are other distractions competing for children’s attention. What we as a library service can do is make it as easy as possible for children to access books and help them discover the vast range of exciting and wonderful stories to spark their imagination. Suffolk Libraries provides great access to thousands of free books for children in Suffolk as we are ideally placed across many communities with 45 libraries.
People may not realise they can also borrow children’s books from our mobile libraries and four pop-up library sessions too! Once you have a library card you have access to a whole world of choice. We want children to see reading as fun and enjoyable and not something they feel they ‘have’ to do.”
Faye Smith, Regional Hub Manager for the National Literacy Trust in Suffolk, added:
“We know that when children enjoy reading, they read more often, benefiting their reading skills, wellbeing, confidence and educational outcomes. We hope to empower 1.5million more children and young people across the UK to read for pleasure and develop the skills they need to shape their future.”
Suffolk Libraries is highlighting five key ways it is working to improve literacy levels and encourage more children to read:
Further resources and reading:
