Beyond books

How librarians drive forward a love of literacy

Every Friday afternoon, when my brothers and I were growing up, my dad took us to the public library – a place that I regarded as a treasure trove of books – and this was where my passion for reading began. Since then, my ‘to be read’ list has been endless! My aim is to help our pupils discover and nurture this same love of books.

2026 is the Year of Reading – a Department for Education initiative that aims to address the UK’s declining reading rates – and I believe it has never been more important to equip our young people with this valuable life skill. The modern pupil is growing up in a fast-paced, digital world and, while technology has many benefits, too much screen time is driving young people further away from reading for pleasure.

An environment created for learning

One of the ways in which we maintain a strong reading culture is to get our boys through the library’s doors. Fortunately, the Library at LGS is a beautiful space and already sits at the heart of our campus, but through vibrant displays, enticing shelves and dedicated study areas, we ensure it is more than just a place where pupils can borrow books.

Pupils in Years 6 to 9 enjoy English reading classes in the Library. During this time, I help pupils with reading recommendations and teach them how to access our online Library Catalogue from their school dashboard. One of the trickiest things about reading can be knowing where to start, so by teaching our pupils how to easily find the books they’re interested in from their first year at Loughborough Grammar School, we ensure that we remove as many barriers as possible to reading for pleasure.

Not only do pupils experience lessons taught in this space, surrounded by books, but the Library also supports each and every subject by providing quality resources. Pupils can find titles relating to the broad range of subjects taught at the School and are regularly encouraged to delve deeper through independent research.

The newly refurbished library balcony has quickly become a valued study space for Year 13 students. Designed with a calm, sophisticated feel, the area offers a university-style environment where students can work independently. Comfortable seating, open desk space, and a quiet atmosphere create the ideal setting for sustained concentration during this important academic year. The environment itself mirrors the transition students are making – from structured school learning to a more self-directed approach. In this way, the balcony has become more than just a study space; it is a symbol of growth, independence and readiness for the next chapter.

A typical day in the LGS Library

Our pupils sit very much at the centre of our library, and on any given day, before school or at break or lunchtime, there could be anywhere from 8-35 pupils in the Library. Alongside this number, our pupil librarians also help to ensure the smooth running of book borrowing and the effectiveness of shelf organisation.

We also regularly welcome lunchtime clubs into the library space – with Wool Club and Book Club often making the most of the bright and welcoming environment. During these times, the Library also becomes a vibrant social space, enabling pupils to try something new or discuss their latest book discoveries with their peers.

The importance of finding the right book

I’ve worked in libraries within the education sector since the age of 20, with workplaces ranging from schools to academies, and so I have seen first-hand just how much reading improves literacy skills, develops vocabulary and broadens perspectives. From increased concentration to higher levels of creativity and an improved memory, I often compare reading for the brain to healthy food for the body – it is just as nourishing!

Finding the right book also helps young people to develop beyond the classroom. When fully immersed in reading, the reader is taught a wealth of valuable skills, including empathy, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness and ethical thinking. Through exposure to perspectives outside of their own, often in the form of exciting characters or through the lens of a new author, readers develop a much more well-rounded worldview, and for our pupils, this helps them to prepare for life beyond school.

But finding the right book sounds easier than it actually is! Especially for boys in the younger years who are still discovering the things they’re passionate about. My role also involves a lot of research, and I make sure to keep up to date with current and topical news. This is helpful when it comes to ordering new books for the Library, as it increases the chances that boys will be able to find something they’re interested in. I try to read as many school library books as possible so I can promote them to the pupils and play a part in matching the right book to the right boy.

Displays also play a key role in broadening our boys’ reading horizons and over the years, I’ve learnt that forward-facing books are the ones which are more often checked out. From World Book Day to Pride month or the World Cup, engaging displays can be an effective way for pupils to try a new title and read widely.

Pages of possibilities

If you were to ask me what my favourite book is or to choose a favourite author, I’d reply that I couldn’t possibly pick (although Malorie Blackman, Patrice Lawrence, Katya Balen and Stefan Manon Ros would be close to the top of the list!) This results from reading as widely as possible. I believe this is an important lesson for the boys to learn; favourite authors or stories will change continuously, but they’ll change alongside your interests and at every stage of life. This is the true value of reading. It is a healthy habit that develops alongside the reader, providing a source of enjoyment, learning and personal growth throughout life.

You are all readers. Some of you may not have found the right book yet, but keep searching! Every book you read builds your knowledge, strengthens your mind and prepares you for your future. Read widely. Be curious. Just read.