In an exciting recognition of her contributions to education and on the back of our library being nominated for School Library Award last year, Mrs. Formby, the librarian at our school, was invited to the House of Commons over Half Term to attend a high-profile event highlighting the crucial role of libraries in supporting literacy, lifelong learning, and social mobility across the UK. The event, hosted by Laurence Turner MP, was part of the Libraries Change Lives campaign, led by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). It was a celebration of the invaluable impact libraries make across all sectors, from schools to communities and even within the prison system.

The gathering featured well-known author John O’Farrell as the guest speaker, who joined MPs, library professionals, and advocates from a variety of library settings. Mrs. Formby was specifically invited to emphasise the importance of school libraries in fostering literacy, providing digital and media education, and serving as a safe and supportive space for students. She spoke to attendees about the ways in which school libraries support students’ literacy and learning by offering access to resources and technology and by assisting teaching staff in their efforts to promote reading and digital skills.

Reflecting on the experience, Mrs. Formby shared, “It was a lovely afternoon listening to MPs and authors talk about how libraries had positively affected their lives and how important it is that everyone continues to have the opportunity to have library access, be it in school or the community. I was able to talk to people who run libraries in all sorts of situations - community-run libraries, public libraries, prison libraries as well as school ones. And I got to have afternoon tea on the Parliamentary Terrace! Our local MP, Manuela Perteghella, met me there and listened to a couple of the speakers.”

This event also served as an opportunity for Mrs. Formby to connect with others in the field and to bring attention to the many ways libraries support literacy and learning. Her invitation came courtesy of the Schools Library Association (SLA) after we received a nomination for the School Library Award last year following a major refurbishment of our library.

The event underscored the pressing need to ensure libraries remain accessible to all. CILIP’s Libraries Change Lives campaign advocates for sustaining and strengthening library services, with a particular focus on expanding literacy, supporting students, and providing resources to marginalised communities.

A truly wonderful opportunity, Mrs. Formby’s attendance highlighted her commitment to the future of libraries and education. Her participation underscored her dedication to ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to a safe and enriching space to learn, explore, and grow.