In today’s fast-paced digital world, where technology constantly competes for our attention, the value of a school library remains undeniable. At Pocklington Prep, we are proud of our beautiful, purpose-designed library and the many opportunities it provides for our children. In the UK, there is no statutory requirement for schools to have a library, but we place such emphasis on the importance of reading that it would be unthinkable for us not to have this amazing facility. Our celebrations for World Book Day are centred around our library, with everything it has to offer.

Far from being ‘just’ a quiet space for pupils to study or browse books, our library plays a vital role in fostering a culture of reading. We encourage pupils to explore a range of books – striking a balance between reading for pleasure and stretching our pupils’ minds by tackling different genres that they may not have otherwise considered. 

We believe books to be a window into countless subjects, ideas, and worlds. Pocklington Prep pupils enter a world beyond their imagination when they come into their school library – hence the words on the wall – ‘Reading is dreaming with your eyes open.’ In such a busy, hectic world, what a wonderful thing to be able to curl up in peace with a book. By sparking our pupils’ imagination and curiosity, we also find their ability to work in other subjects is improved – reading helps them to become curious and independent learners.

Access to such a wide range of texts, both fiction and non-fiction, exposes our pupils to new words, sentence structures, and concepts that they might not encounter otherwise. This increased language exposure directly translates into better reading comprehension, communication, and writing skills - competencies that are crucial for academic success and future career opportunities.

Books often serve as mirrors to our own lives and windows to others’ experiences. Reading about different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives helps our pupils develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around them. We have recently developed our choice of books to ensure we have an incredibly diverse range of fiction, written by and about people from all backgrounds, cultures, religions and socio-economic variations. Reading allows them to connect with others' stories, fostering a sense of shared humanity. Moreover, reading can provide emotional support, offering our children an outlet for processing their own feelings, especially when they read about characters facing challenges similar to their own.

We know that by creating a welcoming space filled with books and resources, we are encouraging our children to view reading as a fun and rewarding activity, not just an academic requirement. When pupils develop a habit of reading from a young age, they are more likely to continue reading throughout their lives. 

The importance of our school library and the habit of reading cannot be overstated. It is more than just a place to find books; it is a critical resource that helps shape well-rounded, informed, and thoughtful individuals. Through access to a wide range of books and materials, pupils at Pocklington Prep are equipped to explore new ideas, think critically, and develop the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. In an ever-evolving world, nurturing our children’s love of reading will ensure that they are prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow with knowledge, creativity, and empathy.