The Reading Island Network has welcomed the launch of the National Year of Reading and announced two major initiatives to strengthen Jersey’s reading culture.
The Network will launch an Islandwide survey of primary and secondary pupils’ reading habits, and specialist training for teachers and library staff led by experts in reading for pleasure.
The survey will provide the first coordinated picture of how children in Jersey read today, helping schools and libraries tailor support and identify barriers to reading. The professional‑development programme will build local expertise and ensure staff across the island have the latest tools to inspire young readers.
The National Year of Reading, led by the UK Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust, aims to transform reading culture by connecting reading with people’s passions through the Go All In campaign.
Formed in 2025, the Reading Island Network brings together schools, libraries, charities, and cultural partners to strengthen reading for pleasure across Jersey, particularly for children and families who face barriers to reading.
Deputy Rob Ward, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Reading sits at the foundation of learning, opportunity, and wellbeing. The National Year of Reading gives us a powerful moment to deepen our commitment to helping every child in Jersey experience the joy of reading. The work of the Reading Island Network, especially its research and training programme, will give us a clearer understanding of what our young people need and how we can best support them to become confident, enthusiastic readers.”
Ed Jewell, Chief Librarian, Jersey Library, said: “This is a chance to reset how we think about reading – less as an obligation, more as a source of confidence, curiosity, and connection. Our goal is for every child in Jersey to feel reading belongs to them.”
Cris Lakeman, CEO, Every Child Our Future, said: “As we celebrate the launch of the National Year of Reading, we are also marking the tenth anniversary of our work to improve children’s access to books and reading opportunities. While we know there has been a worrying decline nationally in children reading for pleasure, we are hopeful this can be changed. By re-engaging children with high-quality, relevant books and giving them plenty of opportunities to talk about what they enjoy, we can help reading become something they choose. “
Andrew Willis, Headteacher, Janvrin School and Jersey Oracy Development Lead, said: “When children read widely and joyfully, they grow as learners and as people. Reading for pleasure sits at the heart of a great education.”
Caroline Whitehead, Advisor: School Improvement and Advisory Service, said: “The Reading Island Network gives us a powerful platform to build a strong, collaborative reading culture across the island. Together, we can grow lifelong readers.”
