Cornwall Libraries Host Storytelling to Address Decline in Children’s Reading

Libraries across Cornwall are conducting storytelling sessions for children, following a report from a literacy charity indicating the lowest recorded number of young people who choose to read for pleasure. A survey by the National Literacy Trust revealed that only one-in-three children in the UK reported enjoying reading for pleasure, marking the lowest level of reading observed in the past 20 years. Jayne Cardew, Manager of Falmouth Library, stated that Storytime events at libraries encourage children to engage with books. She remarked, “If you don’t expose children to books, they’re missing out.” Polly, a mother and teacher in Falmouth who recently attended a Storytime event, commented: “It’s really important for children to see books being modelled, so children really need to see their parents reading and enjoying books.” Ms. Cardew also emphasized the importance of the physical aspect of books. She explained: “It’s about making children used to coming into the library, holding books, listening to stories and getting them familiar with the whole feel of it, because that lays a great foundation for them for when they’re starting to read themselves.” Liz Kessler, a children’s book author who has resided in St Ives for 12 years, has encountered children who expressed apprehension about being seen reading. She recounted: “I’ve had two girls come up to me at the end of an event and they said, almost whispering: ‘We just wanted to say we really love your books’.” When the author asked why they had not raised their hands when she questioned the class about who enjoyed reading, she said their reply was: “We didn’t want to be bullied.” Conversely, Jo Knuckey, a project manager at the National Literacy Trust, affirmed that all forms of engagement with books are valuable and that “it’s cool to be seen with a book.” She added: “For children and young people, it’s important that they feel reading is part of their image and we’re delighted if they’re reading from a tablet, a smartphone or listening to audio books.”