Library initiative to be welcomed

Here’s a brilliant initiative much to be welcomed by writers everywhere. Every child in Scotland could automatically become a library member under new plans announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Pilot projects are being developed in every local authority area to introduce automatic library membership at key stages throughout the early years.
The pilots – which will give all children a library card at birth, age 3 or 4 or in P1 – will see libraries working with schools and communities to promote the services they offer to families.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined new P1 library members at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow to promote the scheme.

The children are part of Glasgow Life’s pilot which will target 2,000 pupils in six areas with issues of lower literacy. As well as this, from September 7, every baby registered in the Glasgow area will be given a library membership card by the registrar.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “Libraries can empower communities – often in our most deprived areas where we know that young people can have lower levels of literacy and numeracy.
“Access to books and learning materials will help us to make sure that every child has the opportunity to get excited about reading.”
Councillor Archie Graham, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “An appreciation for books and an enthusiasm for reading is one of the most important gifts we can give our children.
“Not only is reading vital to improving literacy levels but it also opens up a number of opportunities throughout young people’s lives; developing valuable life-skills, signposting them on to education and employment pathways and supporting our future generations to grow and prosper as active citizens.”
As a founder member of the Crime Writers’ Association’s group to campaign to promote

libraries under threat at a time of austerity I heartily welcome this initiative

 

John Dean