Griffin Primary School receives 'life-changing library'

Griffin Primary School will become one of the first institutions supported by bestselling author, Cressida Cowell’s, new initiative to reduce educational inequality in young children.

‘Life-changing Libraries’ is Ms Cowell’s flagship project as the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, which seeks to support “a reading for pleasure culture” in six primary schools across the UK.

Cressida Cowell has partnered with six schools across England

In an open letter today (April 13) the author of the bestselling series, How to Train Your Dragon, asked the government to “help children whose future now lies in the balance”.

Supported by former Laureates, literacy organisations and publishing industry leaders, the letter called on the Prime Minister to invest £100m a year in primary school libraries.

Griffin Primary School, Battersea, is among six schools – in Cambridgeshire, Rotherham, Darlington, Wirral and Manchester – set to benefit from the scheme.

Building will begin on the libraries this month ahead of officially opening in June 2021.

Griffin Primary School will receive around 1000 new book titles to inspire and engage children.

Cressida Cowell has partnered with six schools across England

The project will monitor the impact on pupils’ engagement, attitudes and reading behaviour across 12 months, collecting qualitative stories and case studies.

Karen Bastick-Styles, Executive Head Teacher of Griffin Primary School, said:

“We are delighted and privileged to be part of this exciting project. A new library will quite literally change the lives of so many of our young people – taking them on adventures, inspiring their imagination and supporting their academic success.

“This Library will also support our families and local Community, offering a place of joy and positivity, a place of connection and learning – with books everywhere!”

Diana Gerald, CEO at BookTrust, said:

‘It is impossible to overstate the life-changing impact that books and reading have on a child’s life prospects, their mental health, wellbeing, self-esteem, educational achievement and so much more. Reading opens up a world of new possibilities for children and develops aspiration, with research showing that it can drive social mobility and mitigate the effect of social inequality.

“As custodians of the prestigious Waterstone Children’s Laureate role, BookTrust is delighted to be supporting Cressida’s ‘Life-changing libraries’ initiative, and helping develop new library spaces that inspire a long-standing reading for pleasure culture within these six selected schools.’