House of Commons visit:
#LibrariesChangeLives House of Commons Visit
Mrs Prince visited the House of Commons this week to attend the Parliamentary Reception celebrating the initiative #LibrariesChangeLives.
Organised by MP Laurence Turner and CILIP School Libraries, the event focused on championing and celebrating both school and public libraries and the power that they have to change lives and provide opportunities to children and their communities. Several MPs were in attendance, including Florence Eshalomi, MP for Vauxhall & Camberwell Green, who spoke about how important libraries are to her constituency and how her experiences growing up were shaped by the availability of public libraries, an enjoyment she has passed on to her own children.
TV presenter/teacher Bobby Seagull spoke at the event alongside author John O'Farrell, describing libraries as "the silent engines of social mobility". MP Laurence Turner explained how important it is that the new Government's growth strategy has libraries at its heart.
Last week, our Reading Ambassadors across the partnership wrote letters to MP Laurence Turner, explaining their outrage on learning that 1 in 7 primary schools does not have a dedicated library space and how this is contributing to a decline in children wishing to read for pleasure. Mrs Prince shared these letters with delegates in attendance, who were extremely impressed with our children's work and passion, as well as their commitment to become Architects of a Better World through promoting a love of reading. We are hoping to receive replies from our local MPs regarding Southampton and Hampshire libraries, but have also written to the Prime Minister and Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell Boyce, in the hope that they can also promote and inspire change to halt the decline in reading for pleasure in our young people.
We are very fortunate that all of our schools have such well stocked and engaging library spaces, but both staff and pupils are extremely passionate and inspired to ensure that this opportunity is afforded to all. Watch this space to find out if we receive a reply!
