PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
School Libraries (14 April 2023)

The Department believes that all pupils deserve to be taught a curriculum that promotes the extensive reading of books and other texts, both in and out of school. School libraries complement public libraries in allowing pupils to do this.

It is for individual schools to decide how best to provide and maintain a library service for their pupils, including whether to employ a qualified librarian. Many head teachers recognise the important role school libraries play in improving literacy and encouraging pupils to read for pleasure and to ensure that suitable library facilities are provided. School libraries can take many forms, with some schools preferring to make books a focus in other ways, including housing them within classrooms.

Given the autonomy granted to schools on how to provide a library service to their pupils, the Department does not collect information on the number of school libraries.