Schools in pleas to parents as money runs out for books

SCHOOL libraries are now so underfunded they are increasingly turning to parents to donate books, it was revealed yesterday.

Council cuts mean primary schools across the country have launched online pleas for help.

The Daily Express has launched a Save Our Libraries crusade calling for a national rethink on the funding of our public libraries.

It has already won widespread backing from politicians, celebrities such as Katie Piper and Richard and Judy, as well as library users.

Alison Tarrant, head of the School Library Association, yesterday warned that the crisis could affect pupils’ mental health.

“We regularly hear from schools who have no or very little budget and so unfortunately parents and carers are being asked to contribute.

“It’s concerning because it means school libraries are now filled with old-fashioned, second-hand books which just aren’t diverse enough.

“Pupils struggling with their gender, sexuality or mental health are therefore unable to seek solace in new books which are more inclusive and reflective of the modern age.”

Fundraising websites are now awash with schools hoping to raise more money for their libraries.

English Martyrs Catholic Primary School in Rugby, Warwickshire, has a crowdfunding campaign involving a staff member doing a skydive.

At Upminster Primary School, Essex, library volunteer Catherine Meek put out a plea for modern books, including the Harry Potter series.

A recent study by the National Literacy Trust revealed that children who don’t use or have access to school libraries suffer from lower mental well-being and lower literacy rates.