Written question asked by Baroness Cash (Conservative) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 27 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

School Libraries: Publications

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government how state-funded schools (1) choose, (2) authorise, and (3) fund, books to be made available in school libraries.

Answer

Within the framework of the National Curriculum, schools make their own choices about which specific books or other resources they use. Headteachers have autonomy to decide how best to spend the core schools funding that is allocated to them by the department. We encourage schools to promote reading for pleasure and trust the judgements of schools and teachers in their choice of books.

It is for individual schools to decide how best to provide and maintain a library service for their pupils.

The government’s reading framework also offers non-statutory guidance for teachers and school leaders, including on how to organise their school library, book corner or book stock to make reading accessible and attractive to readers.

This government has committed £12.5 million to provide a library in every primary school in England by the end of this Parliament, alongside £5 million for secondary schools to purchase books and reading material to support reading for pleasure.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL1972
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Finance Publications
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

School Libraries: Publications

Secondary information

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