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LIFE-CHANGING LIBRARIES WITH CRESSIDA COWELL

Primary Times chats with Cressida Cowell, best selling author of How To Train Your Dragon, about her Life-changing Libraries campaign and the effect it has had on children so far.

Cressida Cowell, the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2019-2022 and best selling author, launched the Life-changing Libraries campaign last year. The campaign aims to place primary school libraries at the heart of the governements yearly investments after it highlighted a severe long-term underfunding. Primary Times caught up with Cressida to understand the importance of libraries, and to see the impact that the campaign has made so far. research show a reader for pleasure is more likely to be happier, healthier, to do better at school, and to vote – all irrespective of background. The more a child reads, the greater the benefits. And that is where libraries come in. Libraries are where the magic happens. They are like sweetshops where all the sweets are FREE. When I was a child in the 1970’s, we went to the public library once a week, that was the norm back then, and I must have read practically every single book in that entire library. It allows a child to experiment, find out what they like. I was convinced then about the importance of libraries – both local and school libraries – and I’m more convinced than ever of their magical power to create life-long readers.

“The project spotlights the four pillars of a successful school library – space, book provision, expertise, and whole-school and parent involvement – through the creation of ‘pilot’ libraries in six very different primary schools. It has been extraordinary to see how these beautiful new spaces, since opening last June, have become the beating heart of these six schools, encouraging the development of well-being, empathy, learning and a whole school reading culture.

“What has been clear from the reaction to the campaign is that people assume that all primary schools have libraries, and that those are well-stocked and resourced. But, this is simply not the case. One in eight primary schools has no library provision. Does yours? I’ve been struck by how many people are surprised that we even need to make this ask. Often, people know that reading for pleasure is important, but don’t know quite how life-changing it is. Reading opens up a world of new possibilities for children and develops aspiration, with research showing that it can drive social mobility and mitigate the effect of social inequality. But, how can a child become a reader for pleasure if their parents or carers cannot afford books, and their primary school has no library, or that library is woefully insufficient?

“We are nearing the end of these year-long pilots and will be sharing our findings in June – but the words of a young boy in Griffin primary school, where we introduced a new ‘Life-changing Library’ keep returning to me. When asked, ‘What does this library mean to you?’, his reply was: ‘Well, it means I don’t have to read the same book, again and again and again.’”

Look up! Summer is just around the corner in Worcester!

Have you explored the festoon light and lampshade adorned New Street and Friar Street in Worcester yet? Make sure to go and see them soon as a new and exciting installation is being developed by Worcester BID ready to revive the skyline for the summer. The seasonal installation will transform the street’s horizon into a summer garden adorned with hanging vintage watering cans and lights. Shop windows will also be filled with hand-drawn art by local artists and gorgeous floral planters will be placed at business entrances. Placing greenery back into city streets can help to reduce businesses’ carbon emissions and will make the street look super summery! Worcester BID’s activation and enhancement of ariel space has brought increased footfall and has received fantastic positive feedback on its look and improvement to safety by improved street lighting and there is more to come!

Sam McCarthy, Chief Executive of Worcester BID says ‘Worcester BID is committed to improving areas through activation. Friar Street and New Street have always been difficult areas to host on street activities due to the area not being pedestrianised. In 2021 Worcester BID installed infrastructure into these heritage streets to enhance the area through lighting and aerial art installations. This summer Worcester BID is transforming the streets into a summer garden. Working with local artists, garden centres and city dressers. As part of the summer activations in these two streets Worcester BID, alongside partners Worcester City Council, will be organising the Royal Garden Party allowing members of the community to sit out and relax, order directly from participating cafes and restaurants and enjoy the family-friendly entertainment.’

The Royal Garden Party is to take place on the Jubilee weekend. No street party in your area? Fancy going to a giant street party? Make it the Royal Garden Party, Worcester and enjoy a free family day out in the historical surroundings of a Tudor Street whilst celebrating the 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. There will be children’s games, live music, food, competitions and more... you could even win lunch with a princess or superhero!

Worcester BID is aiming to connect city-centre businesses with the local community during the Jubilee event and by implementing future work to support opportunities to boost business awareness and growth.