Will every primary school have its own library by 2029?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the government would ensure every state primary school in England will have its own library by 2029.

This announcement caused confusion among some in the primary sector. Questions have been raised about how many primary schools don’t have libraries, with the view that most do. The government pointed out that some 1,700 primaries in England do not currently have libraries of their own. It added that, across the UK, one in seven primaries doesn’t have a dedicated library space, rising to one in four in disadvantaged areas. Some also believe the question may have caused confusion between having books to loan and for pupils to read and having something called a “library”.

The data apparently comes from the National Literacy Trust, which has carried out extensive research on primary school library provision across the UK and has worked since November 2021 to address this lack via its ‘Libraries for Primaries’ campaign. The trust has already worked with 1,500 schools to provide library provision, each receiving 500 free books, library furniture and staff training.

The government has said that this initiative will be funded through £10 million from dormant funds used for social projects, which shared between the stated number of schools is just under £6,000 each.

The Department for Education, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Treasury declined to comment on further details about what schools should expect from the scheme.