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Roughly one in eight schools in the United Kingdom do not have a library, according to a recent report.
A survey was conducted by the Great School Libraries, a campaign with the mandate to make all schools in the United Kingdom have a great library. Results showed that out of 1,750 schools in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, around 13% do not have a designated space for a library. Furthermore, schools with plenty of underprivileged students are even more likely to lack the facility.
The report also found that designated spaces for libraries are often turned into other facilities, like classrooms or meeting rooms.
The report highlighted the disparity between well-off and underprivileged students, as campuses without libraries have a higher percentage of students under the free school meal program.
According to a children’s book author, access to libraries reinforces student education by enhancing knowledge, imagination, and understanding through reading. Hence, students in schools without libraries are more likely to lose out on these benefits.
In light of the findings, some campaigners urged the UK government to close the gap between well-off and underprivileged students so that everyone can enjoy the advantages of school libraries.
The Association of School and College Leaders general secretary said that the recent cuts in the education budget have forced school administrators to cut back on certain things, including the maintenance of school libraries.
In response, the UK government said it would put emphasis on reading development and announced that more funds will be allocated for the education section over the next few years.