The library profession recognises that reading for pleasure not only strengthens literacy and attainment but also boosts cognitive and emotional development, positively impacting a child’s future social mobility.

CILIP will continue to advocate for funding and professional staff in school and public libraries, to empower children and young people to read for enjoyment and wellbeing, in light of a new report from the National Literacy Trust that children’s reading enjoyment has declined to its lowest level since 2005, especially among boys and at secondary school.

Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CILIP CEO said:

“This troubling new data is evidence of a grim legacy left by the last government for far too many children and young people, and an opportunity for the new government to demonstrate they can do better.

"Whichever type of library they’re in, professional librarians know how to work with teachers, parents, volunteers, and most importantly children and young people themselves, to kindle that powerful flame that only a lifelong love of reading can give you.”

CILIP leads the Carnegie’s, the longest-running and most cherished national book and illustration awards for children and young people. This initiative fosters a love for reading among tens of thousands of primary and secondary students annually by celebrating outstanding literature and illustration, encouraging them to engage deeply with reading.

Professional librarians within CILIP's School Libraries Group (SLG), Youth Libraries Group (YLG), and Public and Mobile Libraries Group (PMLG) are instrumental in creating high-quality, enjoyable reading experiences within different library settings.

Through initiatives like Libraries Change Lives, CILIP showcases the positive impact of libraries, with hundreds of case studies highlighting the transformative work of library staff, including promoting reading for pleasure.