A consultation has been launched to seek children, young people, and families’ views on Jersey’s Children’s Library.
The consultation, which runs until Saturday, 16 September, is asking Islanders for their views on how the space should look, and what activities and events the children’s library should offer.
The consultation is designed, to allow the whole family – even the very youngest children – to take part, and to ensure that the Children’s Library remains an appealing, engaging space for families to visit. Hundreds of Islanders already visit the Children’s Library every week to borrow books and attend story times and myriad other activities and events.
Children and young people can visit Jersey Library to share their views through a range of engaging activities, which will be available throughout the summer. Parents and carers can respond to an online survey – which is available in English, Portuguese, Polish and Romanian – to share their views.
The results of the survey will be shared later in the year both online, and at Jersey Library in a child-friendly form. The results will be used to help Jersey Library develop its services and facilities.
The activities for children and young people have been designed in line with the Participation Standards for children and young people, which outline how organisations can ensure that children and young people are able to meaningfully participate in decision-making, and have their views heard and respected.
The Participation Standards were co-designed with children and young people, and were published last October as part of the Government’s 100 Day Plan.
Chief Librarian, Ed Jewell, said: “We’re fortunate to have a dedicated, flexible space for our children’s library. While it’s already extremely well used by many Islanders, we are committed to continually improving our services and what we offer to ensure the library reflects the needs of our whole community.
“I’d encourage children, parents and carers to pop down to the Jersey Library over the summer, and let us know what they like, and what they’d like to see more of.”
Assistant Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Louise Doublet, said: “It is vital that all children and families have a welcoming, comfortable, and exciting space to engage with reading, books, and stories.
“Extensive evidence demonstrates that children who read for pleasure are not only likely to have improved educational outcomes, but they are also likely to have better life outcomes overall.
“I am also pleased that children and young people are being invited to meaningfully shape the future of the space that serves them through the use of the Participation Standards. I look forward to hearing their views and helping them come to life.”
