School libraries in UK under threat from the cost-of-living crisis
September 3, 2022, 1:00 pm

School libraries in UK under threat from the cost-of-living crisis

To adapt with the cost of living crisis, some schools in UK are making cuts to their budgets, calling the impact of the crisis a “travesty” - Photo. Pixabay

School libraries in UK are 'in danger' as teachers struggle to balance the books with soaring energy bills and food prices, according to the Express.

Recent research from Penguin Books UK shows one in eight schools in England does not have a library or designated reading space.

This jumps to one in four schools in the most disadvantaged communities. There is no ring-fenced budget for primary libraries as they are not required legally. Many teachers have reported using their own money to buy books.

Jonathan Douglas, National Literacy Trust chief executive, said previously: “We know that one in 11 children on free school meals doesn’t own a single book of his or her own.”

One educator has warned of the harmful impact closing them would have on the nation’s youngest and most vulnerable pupils. Richard Gerver, president of the School Library Association (SLA), said the wonder and solace of books was “a powerful weapon in the battle for children’s well-being”.

School libraries in UK are 'in danger' as teachers struggle to balance the books with soaring energy bills and food prices - Photo. Pixabay

He added: “If we want generations capable of leading us to happier and more prosperous times, then we need all of our children to have access to, and be empowered by, outstanding school libraries.

In June, best-selling author Cressida Cowell called for the Government to invest £100million in primary school libraries as her final act in the role of children’s laureate.

Cost of living crisis: UK’s largest port faces eight-day strike

She said it was “ever more urgent to introduce a proper, lasting” library intervention, as research shows they help to improve academic standards, as well as foster a love of reading in children.

School libraries are relying on help to get books. Jenny Duncan says without support from the Schools Library Service (SLS) her school’s library would have to close.

Book prices are rising dramatically and St Charles Academy in Hull relies on the SLS to provide library books and ensure that its collection is kept up to date, its assistant head Ms Duncan has admitted.

To adapt with the cost of living crisis, some schools are making cuts to their budgets, calling the impact of the crisis a “travesty”.

Boris Johnson: No option is off the table to tackle cost of living

Terri McCargar, a librarian of Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, has had to make cuts to her budget this year as the school is “facing enormous energy bills”.

She said: “I really despair at the picture nationally.

“Unlike other departments, a school library can suddenly be in jeopardy, particularly when there’s a change of senior management or when finances are strained.

“There are so many stories of libraries closing during the pandemic and never reopening, of library staff moving on and not being replaced.”

levantnews-express

7 police officers killed in ambush in Colombia Russia says no US visas yet for Lavrov visit to United Nations

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”