- The Chase school libraries programme, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and supported by Penguin Books, arrives in Greenwich for the first time, training 36 teachers, improving libraries in 18 primary schools and benefitting over 7,600 children
- As part of celebrations, children’s writers Dan Freedman and Kate Pankhurst unveil newly renovated library at Fossdene Primary School, complete with new book vending machine
- The works come as research highlights the importance of ensuring children’s access to libraries in London, with two-thirds (66%) of London adults believing reading improved their future career success
Over 7,600 pupils across 18 primary schools in Greenwich have been welcomed back to a new school year with improved libraries and over 7,000 new books, thanks to the Chase school libraries programme.
In partnership with the National Literacy Trust and supported by Penguin Books, the programme aims to help children unlock their future potential by improving access to school libraries in under resourced communities throughout the U.K. The programme has also trained 36 teachers in the area with guidance on how they can inspire a love of reading amongst school children.
The initiative comes as research from Chase reveals that two-thirds (66%) of London adults believe that reading significantly contributed to their future career success, highlighting the importance of nurturing a love for books from a young age.*
As part of the programme, Fossdene Primary School has received a completely renovated library and a book vending machine which comes stocked with 150 specially curated books that children can redeem with tokens they have been awarded for positive behaviour – transforming reading for every child by making it a rewarding and accessible experience, encouraging them to read more frequently. Fossdene Primary School is one of four libraries in England receiving a book vending machine this year, with further machines being installed in schools across Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
To celebrate, the new library and vending machine were unveiled to pupils by Dan Freedman, author of Unstoppable and the Jamie Johnson series, and Kate Pankhurst, best-selling author and illustrator of the Fantastically Great Women series, who helped inspire pupils at Fossdene Primary School to develop a love of reading.
Joanne Bradley, Fossdene Primary School’s Deputy Headteacher said: “Our recent library installation has enthused many of our children to discover the world of stories and information. Reading for pleasure is a priority for Fossdene and the book vending machine will support with this, with children able to earn a token for showing positive behaviour, an act of kindness or when they have achieved a learning goal. It will send a strong message that reading is valued and celebrated within our school community – a visual reminder of the importance of reading as a regular habit.”
Dan Freedman, a Sunday Times Best-Selling children’s author, commented: “Reading has the potential to unlock the world for all of us. The impact of what Chase and The National Literacy Trust are providing for the pupils at Fossdene Primary School will be felt for generations to come. I’m so excited to see the library and book vending machine and to discuss the immense power and enjoyment of books and words with the pupils.”
Deborah Keay, U.K. CMO at Chase, said: “Our Chase school libraries programme aims to make reading exciting and accessible for every child, so they can unlock their potential and provide them with skills for their future careers. We are thrilled to bring the project to Greenwich for the first time, providing improved libraries and innovative technology like the vending machines – so we can put books directly into the hands of young children and foster a lifelong love of learning.”
Andrew Ettinger, Director of Education at the National Literacy Trust said: “At a time when 1 in 8 children from disadvantaged backgrounds do not have a single book of their own at home, it is critically important for every primary school to have a dedicated reading space. We know that reading for pleasure in a nurturing environment enriches a child’s understanding of the world, promotes empathy, and has a powerful and positive effect on their academic success and mental wellbeing.** Thanks to our Libraries for Primaries partner Chase, pupils at Fossdene and over 7,000 others across Greenwich now have even greater access and support to go on to develop a life-long love of reading.”
Since launching its school libraries programme, Chase has improved or entirely transformed 412 libraries, impacting over 138,000 pupils. Building on a successful first two years, in 2024 Chase expanded the programme to four new areas (Belfast, Glasgow, Greenwich (London), and Liverpool), while also providing additional support to three existing regions (Edinburgh, Manchester, and Cardiff) with the resources they need to inspire a love of reading. This year’s programme includes:
- A total of 100 new and enhanced reading spaces, including 6 brand new libraries and 94 enhanced reading spaces in primary schools across the U.K. This will equip a further 32,082 children in under-resourced areas with new or enhanced library spaces designed to improve their reading environment
- Access to 40,000 new and diverse books donated by Penguin Books to inspire a love of reading
- Equipping an estimated 200 primary school teachers with bespoke face-to-face training to support them with implementing a reading for pleasure strategy and creating powerful reading role models in the school community
Featured photo by Kieran Cleeves/PA Media Assignments.
