Welsh Government
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Automatic library card for every child in Wales - New initiative launched to help raise literacy levels
Did you know that children who read for pleasure do better at school?
Welsh libraries and primary schools are joining forces to provide every primary school child with a free library card - starting with children aged 8/9 in six local authorities - Blaenau Gwent, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Powys and Swansea.
Launching the initiative in Heolgerrig Community School in Merthyr Tydfil, Minister for Education & Skills, Huw Lewis, said:
“It’s important that our young people have the best opportunity to develop their reading, literacy and communication skills. This link-up with libraries is a great way to allow them to access resources, make their own choices and help maintain and improve their reading standards.
“Libraries have always played an important role in Welsh life and we hope this project will enable young people to access even more books and information to help with their school work and improve their life chances.”
Dr Rhys Jones, best known for his hit BBC series including ‘Rhys to the Rescue’ and ‘Dr Rhys Jones’s Wildlife Patrol’, is championing this initiative and he said:
“Libraries are such an important resource - they are a great place for children to let their imagination grow and to develop and it is vitally important that we encourage our children to read more not only to improve their literacy levels but also to help them with life skills and future opportunities.”
Deputy head-teacher at Heolgerrig School, Anna Morris, commented:
“Enabling the children to pick their own books and hearing them discuss their favourites is really inspiring. And if we can encourage all children to use the library it will no doubt have a beneficial effect on how they perform in the classroom too.”
This library card will allow the children to borrow books straight away and get a free goodie bag to carry their books home with them. Once proof of address is provided, they can then have access to thousands of free books as well as many more resources to help improve their school work and enhance their leisure time, including:
- FREE fiction, non-fiction, comics, graphic novels and talking books
- FREE homework help - online and in the library
- FREE e-books and e-magazines
- FREE computer use and internet access
- Clubs, games, events, activities and classes in the library
- Friendly, helpful library staff
- Somewhere safe to meet friends
This project compliments the Welsh Government’s “Make Time to Read” campaign – which states that just 10 minutes of reading a day can make a big difference - reading books at home will help you enjoy reading and do better at school. Welsh Government has also recently launched ‘Education begins at home’ a new campaign encouraging parents to help children with their learning at home.
For more information please visit: www.welshlibraries.org/schools
