Wakefield Council launches renewed offer for school libraries
Monday, March 09, 2026
Wakefield Council has launched an enhanced library service for the district’s schools, designed to help children develop a lifelong love of reading.
Introduced to coincide with the National Year of Reading, the new service provides literacy support focussing on reading for pleasure.
“Reading for pleasure is one of the most powerful things we can give a child. This renewed offer supports our schools with practical, inspiring ways to get children excited about books every day.
“We know that reading can help with vocabulary, concentration and a child’s imagination. By making reading more accessible and more enjoyable, the offer helps create habits that can benefit pupils throughout their education.”
Cllr Margaret Isherwood
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
The Schools Library Service has introduced a two tiered offer, which is available to local primary and infant schools, academies and early years settings. Schools can choose a light-touch package that offers guidance, training and library support. Or a more comprehensive, hands-on package that includes tailored book selections, class sets and themed reading collections. Both options equip teachers with improved tools to help build children’s confidence and enjoyment in reading.
Schools opting for full membership can also benefit from termly visits from Gerri Giraffe’s Book Bus. The new bus will bring an ever-changing selection of exciting books to school. Encouraging children to read in a way that feels special and memorable.
“This is about giving every school the tools, expertise and inspiration to help children fall in love with reading. The Book Bus and our wider support are designed to make that as easy and enjoyable as possible.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
A number of Wakefield schools, including Jerry Clay Academy and Jerry Clay English Hub in Wrenthorpe, already work closely with the service. The school reports increased pupil interest in books, stronger curriculum support, and a more vibrant reading culture as a result of their involvement.
Tony Palin, Headteacher from Jerry Clay Academy said: “Working with the Schools Library Service has made a tangible difference to our reading culture. The carefully curated book collections and the excitement generated by the Book Bus help children see reading as something joyful, not just part of the timetable. We’ve seen pupils talk more about books, recommend them to friends and choose to read more often, which is exactly what we want for lifelong readers.
Tracy Swinburne OBE, Strategic English Hub Lead from Jerry Clay English Hub added: “Reading for pleasure is the foundation of strong literacy development. The refreshed offer supports schools to build rich reading environments and equips staff with practical strategies that really work in classrooms. Services like this strengthen the consistency of reading provision across the district and ensure more children experience high-quality texts every day.”
Schools interested in the refreshed offer can contact the Schools Library Service team for full details and to arrange a visit or discussion.