Libraries for Primaries 2025 - 2026 campaign

The Libraries for Primaries campaign works to support schools that do not have a library space in creating one with training, resources, books and furniture to help them develop a reading for pleasure culture in their schools.

School leaders who are interested in participating in a Libraries for Primaries programme in the 2025-2026 academic year can register their interest via the Libraries for Primaries website.

The programme is open to state primary schools to apply, who don't have a school library and haven't been on the Libraries for Primaries programme previously.

The National Literacy Trust, which runs the Libraries for Libraries campaign, estimates that 1 in 7 state primary schools in the UK do not have a library. This rises to 1 in 4 schools in the most disadvantaged communities. Access to a well-curated, well-loved library space in their primary school provides a life-changing opportunity for all children, whatever their postcode or circumstances

Founded in November 2021 by the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Books, the Libraries for Primaries campaign (formerly known as the Primary School Library Alliance) is a group of organisations who work to address the chronic lack of investment in UK primary school libraries, aiming to ensure that every primary school in the UK has a library or dedicated library space.  A 2023 survey found that 86% of parents think that all schools should have a library.

By Spring 2024, the Libraries for Primaries campaign had transformed 1,000 primary school libraries and trained over 2,000 teachers and support staff. More than 30 organisations, including a range of publishers, support the campaign.

Find out more about the Libraries for Primaries campaign