Why access to libraries and books are a human right for children

10 December each year marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 19 of this important document enshrines the right, ‘to seek, receive and impart information. . . regardless of frontiers.’ 

Through this lens, a child’s access to a well-stocked library is a human right. 

School libraries run countless activities to encourage reading for pleasure including book clubs, author visits and reading challenges. But they also offer digital inclusion, a safe space for pupils, and a place where pupils can develop skills and grow holistically, in ways the academic curriculum cannot manage alone.

That’s why Scottish Book Trust has undertaken research into the current state of school libraries in Scotland. After speaking to 180 primary and secondary school librarians, we were left inspired and buoyed by their passion and commitment, but deeply concerned about the state of the sector.

The librarians we spoke to are often keeping their service going on a shoestring budget, with few if any volunteers, while managing too many competing priorities, restricted opening hours and limited space. This is a concern for the long-term impacts of school libraries, which are demonstrably most effective when adequately resourced and staffed. Scottish Book Trust research has gathered ample examples of the impact of the benefits, such as the picture painted by this secondary school librarian:

'The library has a collection of books for all – with a real focus on diverse voices. I create displays promoting them throughout the year and talk about them with classes. Pupils feel seen and are then comfortable being their authentic selves in the library. I wear my LGBT+ ally and autism spectrum badges on my lanyard. The fact that the library regulars are such a diverse group shows that they feel valued and welcome.' 

After years of drastic cuts, however, Scotland now has fewer libraries per school(this link will open in a new window) than the rest of the UK. The Primary School Library Alliance reported in 2022 that 25% of primary schools in Scotland do not have a designated library area(this link will open in a new window), the highest proportion of the UK's nations. Furthermore, 48% of UK schools that had no dedicated library space said that their pupils’ reading is restricted by limited library resources and availability of books(this link will open in a new window).

We want to do all we can to advocate for libraries and to change this story.

In honour of World Human Rights Day, Scottish Book Trust identified five articles ratified in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (signed by the UK in April 1990) which indicate a strong argument for protecting school libraries and school librarians.

Article 6: Life, Survival and Development

"Every child has the right to life. Governments must do all they can to ensure that children survive and develop to their full potential."

If we are truly doing all we can to ensure our children can develop to their full potential, we must provide them with free access to books. By the time they reach 8 years old, every child born in Scotland will have received 16 books from Scottish Book Trust’s Bookbug and Read, Write, Count programmes. This can be a vital intervention. For some families these books will be the only ones their children own. 

Moreover, new research indicates that school libraries, aside from strengthening pupils' academic achievement, also play a vital role in promoting pupil wellbeing by expanding their world view, building a safe space and supporting their autonomy. These are undoubtedly vital aspects of developing children to their full potential.

Article 13: Freedom of Expression

"Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law."

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader,” said American women’s rights advocate Margaret Fuller. Thoughts and opinions aren’t formed in a vacuum, they need fuel. Libraries are a nutritious space for a young brain. There is nowhere else people can ‘access all kinds of information’ from the internet, to books, audiobooks, magazines and films. Libraries are a place where active citizens are developed.

Research clearly shows that libraries operate as anchor institutions for communities(this link will open in a new window) – in other words, libraries reach diverse audiences, empower individuals with trusted, accurate information, offer safe spaces(this link will open in a new window), and promote democratically engaged and informed communities(this link will open in a new window). These are all vital factors for empowering a child to access information and form their own opinions.

Article 17: Access to Information from the Media

"Every child has the right to reliable information from a variety of sources, and governments should encourage the media to provide information that children can understand. Governments must help protect children from materials that could harm them."

It is one thing to expect the media to provide information children can understand, but it means nothing without access. School libraries provide more than just books. As part of Scottish Book Trust research, 43% of primary school librarians, and 55% of secondary school librarians, reported that their library currently supports pupils with media/digital literacy skills. As one librarian shared with our researchers,

‘Aside from promoting a culture of reading for pleasure, it is vital to have an information professional at hand to offer advice on research and finding information. This is particularly important in an age where information (and misinformation) is in abundance.’

Article 27: Adequate Standard of Living

"Every child has the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and social needs and support their development. Governments must help families who cannot afford to provide this."

To support the social needs and development of every child, no matter their economic circumstances, free access to books, events, films and music is vital. 

Moreover, a standard of modern living means that children need to have access to utilities like digital devices and wifi. Yet, nearly half (47%) of secondary school librarians, and 21% of primary school librarians, reported to Scottish Book Trust that their pupils face digital poverty(this link will open in a new window). School libraries are crucial to addressing this issue, as demonstrated by one librarian’s anecdote:

'Many of our pupils don't have access to a PC / internet connection at home. Just today, I was talking to an S1 pupil who hadn't realised she could use the library PCs to do her homework. She doesn't have a computer at home and had been worried about not getting her work done – the relief on her face was clear to see.' 

Article 31: Leisure, Play and Culture

"Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities."

Reading is not only play but one of the most relaxing hobbies there is. School libraries are cultural hubs and safe havens of the schools they serve. By investing in school libraries, there is investment in whole communities’ cultural activity.. Not only that, but reading for pleasure is one of the most important indicators of a child's future success(this link will open in a new window)!

School libraries are crucial to encouraging and nourishing pupils’ wellbeing and play(this link will open in a new window). Librarians across the country shared examples of their pupils accessing the space every day for games and clubs outwith school classes or homework, and how that impacted their confidence:

'For some vulnerable pupils the library is their safe space and somewhere they can come to get away from the noise and bustle of the corridors at lunchtime. Pupils have told me this before and are sad that they can't access the library resources on a Friday when I don't work, and the library is closed. 

Also I have seen friendships develop and flourish after solitary pupils have made friends during lunchtime activities such as playing board games, or book club. These friend groups meet in the library most days at break time and lunchtime now and I see their individual confidence grow.'

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Considering the full picture of school libraries, particularly in light of children’s human rights, there is ample evidence to suggest the benefits of making school libraries a statutory requirement. 

For the full account of Scottish Book Trust’s libraries research, please keep up to date with our project hub here(this link will open in a new window). Reports from the school librarian findings are available to read now.