A new library has been unveiled at a primary school in Oxford to mark the launch of the second year of a programme aimed at giving children access to reading.

Oxford University Press and the National Literacy Trust launched the second year of their Oxfordshire Raise a Reader programme with the unveiling at St Francis Primary School in Cowley.

Korky Paul, the best-selling illustrator of the Winnie and Wilbur series, cut the ribbon and celebrated with a reading event with the children.

Oxford Mail: Illustrator Korky Paul cut the ribbon to open the libraryIllustrator Korky Paul cut the ribbon to open the library (Image: Oxford University Press)

The school is one of 10 across Oxfordshire to receive new reading spaces this spring-term, each equipped with 500 books, soft furnishings, and book storage.

These schools are offered in-person training to help develop effective whole-school reading strategies, a subscription to Oxford Reading Buddy, a digital reading service, and a sequence of author visits.

Caroline Derby, head of early literacy and phonics at Oxford University Press, said: "We are thrilled to be able to extend our Oxfordshire Raise a Reader programme to an additional 10 schools this year.

"When we first launched our Raise a Reader initiative we were keen to offer support where it is needed most in our local community.

"We know just how important it is to ensure that all children have the tools and opportunities to become lifelong readers and we hope these new library spaces will excite and inspire the next generation of readers."

The programme, which has opened libraries in 20 primary schools across the county, is in its second year.

Almost 3,000 Oxfordshire children benefitted from the programme in its first year in 2023.

Feedback from more than 200 children revealed 44 per cent wanted to read more because of the changes made to their school library, while 73 per cent said they visited the library at least once a week.

Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, said: “Access to books and regular reading are really important for developing children’s reading and language skills.

"Unfortunately too many children do not have easy access to such resources.

"We need to be working to break down barriers to opportunity for all children and young people across the country.”

Jonathan Douglas, chief executive at the National Literacy Trust, added: “So far, thanks to our partnership with Oxford University Press, we have seen 10 new schools in Oxfordshire benefit from new libraries.

"We are delighted to be working with them and 10 more schools this year because we know that one in seven primary schools in the UK don’t have a school library.

"School libraries are vital in opening up the world to children, and nurturing a love of reading that can last a lifetime.”