CILIP, CILIP School Libraries Group (CILIP SLG), the School Library Association, and the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL) have written to the Minister for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell, to offer support with her programmes and to ask for an opportunity to discuss how school libraries can support the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity for all.

In the letter, the three library charities, including CILIP and CILIP SLG, ask how they can support the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity for all; not just in their role providing access to books and other resources to support attainment, but also in their role in equipping children with the skills which will be needed for careers in an economy of the future, and as informed citizens.

"We write as the leaders of national charities representing school library staff; the School Library Association, the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) including CILIP’s School Libraries Group (CILIP SLG), and the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL).

"Together, we support everyone involved in school libraries so that every child can have the best educational experience. Between us we have thousands of members across the UK, and hundreds of volunteers help us to deliver our activities."

Read full letter