Access to books at school is 'a child's right'

AUTHOR Sir Michael Morpurgo has said "it's a child's right" to have access to books as he called on the Government to ensure all schools in the UK have libraries.

- Emily Braeger

The writer of classics such as The Butterfly Lion, Kensuke's Kingdom, Private Peaceful and War Horse, said it was up to schools to introduce children to the world of books and ensure they were reading regularly.

Figures by the National Literacy Trust show that one in seven UK primary schools do not have a library, and this figure is likely to increase.

Pathway

Its report last September revealed more than 56% of eight to 18-year olds do not enjoy reading in their free time - a record low.