Why World Book Day Matters
World Book Day, a slightly questionable costume fix, and a reminder that access to books isn’t a given for everyone.
I spent an absurd amount of time this morning trying to fix a tiger tail to a tutu.
It must be World Book Day.
I’m actually a big fan of it. But this week I came across a few things that made me pause and think a bit more about it.
In 2024, the National Literacy Trust estimated that 1 in 8 children in the UK, nearly a million, didn’t own a single book of their own.
Last year, enjoyment of reading hit its lowest level in 20 years. Just 1 in 3 children and young people said they enjoy reading in their free time.
Between 2010 and 2020, almost 800 libraries in the UK closed. Of those that remain, a third have reduced their opening hours.
The UK Government’s spending on libraries is far lower than that of most European countries: £12 annually per capita, compared to Finland’s £50.
I’m not sharing this to make a political point.
Just as a dad, standing in the kitchen, attempting some slightly questionable costume engineering, it made me think about how valuable every opportunity for children to choose, own and read their own books really is.
Access to books isn’t a given for everyone and that feels important.
–Darren