'You don't improve literacy by taking away books- Peterborough headteacher urges council to safeguard future of Woodston library for the good of the next generation

A Peterborough headteacher has urged the council to safeguard the future of Woodston Library.

The library, located on Orchard Street, remains at risk as on the council’s community asset list for closur- along with three other libraries in the city – Stanground, Eye and Thorney- but has become a vital resource for nearby school Saint Augustine’s (C of E) Junior School.

Since efforts to reinvigorate the library began, the school has been running a popular after school reading club at the library, in an effort to give children who may not have the opportunity outside of school to have accessed to reading and to develop a love of it.

The school has its own book bus, which is used daily by each class, as well as the library, and each class has 15 minutes of story time as it looks to help the city buck the trend of low literacy levels and attempt to inspire a love of reading not just for delivering improved test scores.

Peterborough has one of the lowest literacy rates in the UK, especially for pupils receiving free school meals and those with SEND support. Only 55% of pupils in Peterborough met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2023/24, below the national average of 61%.

While the school is doing all it can to raise interest in reading, Headteacher Sam Brunt has insisted that if the library were to close, the school’s efforts would be seriously undermined.

He said: “If they were to take that away the library for us then that would be a big opportunity missed. We are constantly reminded by the local authority about our literacy numbers and reading scores across the city but, at the same time, the same council is potentially taking away this excellent resource from children. It doesn’t really add up and seems like a short term strategy to save some money whereas the reality it, it might be taking away a lot of opportunities for our children. Reading is the skill that unlocks everything.

“You don’t improve literacy by taking away books. We are trying to set children up with skills for like and getting them into employment. We have issues with low levels of employment and we want to do something about that and I’m sure the council do too. Let’s get these children engaged in reading, let’s get them the skills they need and let’s get them good jobs so we’re not in this perpetual cycle of low aspirations, low employment and low skills.”

"Our children do love reading when given the opportunity. There is a challenge across the city in getting children involved in reading often that can be because of low aspirations from parents or simply some of them do not have a lot of disposable income. Over the last couple of years, they have faced the challenge of do I spend money on getting my children nice books or do I put food on the table? That is the grim reality.”

The school is also supporting the library’s campaign to get more children in the city reading in time to take part in the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge, which is aimed at children between four and 11, and challenges them to read six or more library books over the summer.

Peterborough children taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge at their local library will receive a collector’s card after finishing their first library book, a sticker for each book read, and a bookmark after their sixth book. Those completing six books will also receive a certificate after the challenge ends.

Friends of Woodston have called upon Peterborough’s business community and city organisations to support local children with new books for this challenge.

Jennie Storey, Friends of Woodston Library – Chair, added: “The children in our city are our future. We all have a responsibility to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide the very best chance of leading their best lives and that starts with reading for pleasure to spark imagination and creativity. What better place to start than at a local library which brings everyone together in a safe environment.

“We know many businesses may be finding times challenging but investment today ensures a strong and talented workforce for the future. Many families are finding it hard to put food on the table, let alone buy books – that’s where local libraries come into their own and if we all put a bit of energy and passion to overcome years of neglect we can make a real difference to the quality of life for everyone.”

Donations can be made directly to Woodston Library during staffed hours Tuesdays 9am to 12noon, Thursdays 1.30pm to 5pm and Saturdays 2pm to 5.30pm or volunteer hours Thursdays and Fridays 6pm to 7pm or by contacting the Friends of Woodston Library on [email protected].