New Government funding for primary school libraries: what schools need to know, and how to prepare
- Rob Main
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The Government has announced a new funding commitment intended to ensure that every primary school has access to a library by the end of this Parliament.
In its official update, the Government confirmed over £10 million in funding to “guarantee a library for all primary schools”, acknowledging that one in seven primary schools in the UK do not currently have access to a library.
For school leaders and administrators, this announcement represents both an opportunity and a responsibility: to plan a library provision that is practical, sustainable, and aligned to learning outcomes across the whole school.
This article summarises what has been confirmed so far, explains the wider context behind the commitment, and outlines the practical steps schools can take now to prepare. It also highlights how specialist support in library design and library refurbishment can help schools make best use of available funding once scheme details are released.
Table of Contents:
What has the Government announced?
The announcement includes further context on current gaps in provision:
One in seven primary schools in the UK do not have access to a library
This rises to one in four in disadvantaged areas
It also notes that almost half of schools in England without a library are located in the North.
While the overall direction is clear, the Government has also confirmed that it will set out further details of the scheme in due course.
New Government funding for primary school libraries: what schools need to know, and how to prepareWhat is confirmed, and what is still to be announced?
At this stage, schools can plan around the confirmed intent of the programme, while recognising that operational details have not yet been published.
Confirmed
The Government has confirmed:
Over £10 million in funding
An ambition to guarantee a library for all primary schools by the end of this Parliament
Not yet confirmed
The Government has not yet released full information on:
how schools will access funding
eligibility criteria (including definitions of “no access to a library”)
timelines, phases, or delivery mechanisms
whether the scheme will support refurbishment of existing library spaces, new builds, or conversion of other areas
expected reporting requirements (where applicable)
For school administrators, this creates a clear preparation window. Early planning can help reduce delays when funding details are published and implementation timeframes become clearer.
Libraries for Primaries and the national focus on reading
The Government’s commitment aligns with ongoing literacy initiatives and sector-wide evidence of the benefits of accessible library spaces.
The National Literacy Trust’s Libraries for Primaries campaign has been working towards a goal of ensuring every primary school in the UK has a designated library space by 2029.
The campaign has already supported progress at scale, with the National Literacy Trust reporting:
library space transformation in 1,500 UK primary schools
support for close to half a million children, improving access to diverse and inspiring books
The announcement also comes ahead of the National Year of Reading 2026, a Department for Education initiative delivered in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust, intended to address declines in reading enjoyment.
In practical terms, these initiatives increase the likelihood that many schools will review how their learning environment supports literacy, reading for pleasure, and independent access to books.
What counts as a “school library”?
For many primary schools, the concept of a library does not necessarily mean a large, dedicated room with fixed shelving and extensive collections.
The Libraries for Primaries campaign describes its mission as ensuring every primary school has a library or dedicated library space.
This is an important distinction. In some schools, a “dedicated library space” may be achieved through:
a repurposed classroom
a zoned area within an existing space
a redesign of an underused room
a refurbishment of an existing library that is currently difficult to use or supervise
What matters most is that the space is:
consistently accessible
planned to support pupils across age groups
able to function as a reading environment rather than a storage area
maintainable over time
A well-considered library fit out ensures that the space supports day-to-day use in real school conditions, including supervision, movement, durability, and timetabled access.
What schools can do now to prepare (before application details are released)
Although further scheme guidance is expected, schools do not need to wait to begin initial planning. In many settings, the foundational work involves understanding the current space available, identifying priorities, and preparing internal documentation.
1) Assess current provision
Schools may benefit from documenting:
whether a library or dedicated library space exists
how frequently it is used by classes
whether it is used for independent reading, group reading, interventions, or informal access
whether the space is accessible for all year groups and pupils with additional needs
Where access is limited, this assessment helps create a clear evidence base.
2) Identify suitable space options
Many school library projects begin with a pragmatic decision: selecting the best possible space within existing constraints.
Typical considerations include:
room size and layout
adjacent footfall and noise
ease of supervision
proximity to classrooms
lighting and ventilation
available storage and potential for display
A successful library does not require a perfect room, but it does require a planned approach to layout, zoning, and how pupils will use the space.
3) Gather basic evidence and measurements
Even where an application process has not yet been published, schools can prepare information that is often required for funding or project planning:
room dimensions and photos
any existing floorplans
notes on current condition (flooring, lighting, wall finishes)
pupil roll numbers and expected usage
initial priorities for furniture, shelving, and storage
4) Define intended use across the school week
A primary school library is most effective when it supports multiple functions. Schools may wish to define requirements such as:
independent reading zones
storytime seating and group learning areas
small-group intervention zones
browsing and display for reading for pleasure
quiet work or research areas (particularly for upper primary)
This stage provides the foundations for effective library design, ensuring that the space supports practical usage and not only visual outcomes.
5) Consider timeline and delivery constraints
Implementation planning often needs to account for:
safeguarding requirements
limited access windows (e.g. half-term, summer holidays)
minimal disruption to teaching
expected longevity and maintenance
A clear scope and realistic schedule can support better procurement decisions once funding is allocated.
Why library planning and design matters
A library space can be created quickly, but a successful library space is one that remains used and valued over time.
A well-planned library can support:
improved access to reading materials across year groups
reading for pleasure in a calm environment
improved independence through accessible shelving and structured displays
support for literacy intervention delivery and group work
a visible whole-school commitment to reading culture
However, many schools experience challenges where library spaces become underused due to avoidable practical issues, including:
poor flow and movement routes
limited supervision sightlines
overcrowded shelving that reduces usability
insufficient zoning between quiet and group use
lack of storage leading to clutter and long-term deterioration
Effective library refurbishment is therefore not only about updating finishes. It is about ensuring the space is functional, inclusive, and aligned to how pupils and staff use it throughout the school day.
How Brookhouse supports primary schools: design, refurbishment and fit out
Once schools have established the requirements for their space, specialist support can help translate the brief into a completed project that is durable, usable, and aligned to educational outcomes.
Brookhouse supports schools through the full library development process, including:
library refurbishment and modernisation
practical library design services
complete library fit out, including furniture and installation
space planning aligned to day-to-day school usage
Brookhouse’s work is shaped by the practical realities of delivering within working school environments, including safeguarding, time constraints, and the need for durable solutions that support different age groups and reading needs.
Case study example: Mayfield School, Dagenham (Greater London)
A school library refurbishment project can be one of the most effective ways to improve access to books and create a space that supports reading across the whole school day. A recent example is Brookhouse’s work at Mayfield School in Dagenham, Greater London, where the aim was to modernise and improve the library environment for pupils.
Project objective
Like many schools, Mayfield School required a library space that felt purposeful, welcoming and usable in practice. This type of project typically focuses not only on visual improvement, but on making sure the space can support day-to-day school life — including class visits, independent reading, small group use and effective organisation.
Brookhouse approach
Brookhouse supported the school with a planned library refurbishment, focusing on creating a space that was better suited to pupil use. The project included interior improvements and a refreshed layout, helping to establish a more structured and inviting learning environment.
As part of a modern library fit out, considerations commonly include:
how pupils move through the space
how book stock is presented to encourage browsing
seating and tables that support both independent and group use
storage and organisation to help keep the library tidy and manageable
ensuring the space can be supervised appropriately
Outcome
The resulting library provided Mayfield School with an updated space that supports reading and learning, offering a more functional environment for pupils and staff to use consistently.
Next steps for schools
While the operational details of the Government funding scheme have not yet been confirmed, schools can begin preparing now by:
assessing existing library provision
identifying suitable space options
documenting measurements and current condition
defining intended use and priorities
developing a preliminary project scope and timeline
This preparation supports a smoother route from funding availability to delivery, particularly where school timetables and contractor access windows are limited.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Will every primary school be eligible for the funding?
The Government has confirmed the funding commitment and the intent to guarantee a library for all primary schools, but has not yet published full eligibility guidance. Schools should monitor official updates as further scheme details are expected “in due course”.
We already have a library. Could we still benefit?
Potentially, yes. Many schools have a space labelled as a library, but it may not be fit for purpose due to layout, accessibility, supervision, or condition. A library refurbishment can modernise an existing space so it is used more consistently and supports multiple year groups.
What counts as a “dedicated library space”?
The Libraries for Primaries campaign refers to a “library or dedicated library space”, which suggests that a full standalone library room may not be the only acceptable solution.A dedicated space should still be planned, accessible, and consistently available for pupils to use.
Can a classroom be converted into a school library?
Yes. In many schools, classroom conversion is an effective route where space is limited. A successful conversion depends on practical library design, including zoning, furniture planning, storage, and ensuring the space supports supervision and calm use.
How long does a library refurbishment or library fit out take?
Timelines vary depending on the size and scope of the project. Many schools plan works around half-term or summer holiday windows to minimise disruption. Early planning helps ensure that delivery schedules align with school term dates.
What should a primary school library include?
A well-designed primary library often includes:
accessible shelving and book displays
quiet reading areas and comfortable seating
flexible seating for small groups
clear zones for different ages or activities
storage solutions to keep the space tidy
The most effective library fit out is designed around how pupils will use the space daily, rather than focusing only on appearance.
Why does library design matter so much?
Library design influences how the space is used. Layout, flow, zoning, and supervision sightlines often determine whether a library becomes an active part of school life or remains underused.
How can Brookhouse support our school?
Brookhouse provides support from early planning through to library refurbishment and full library fit out. Schools can also access Brookhouse design services to explore layout options and define a practical solution aligned to their available space and intended usage.
Plan your school library project with Brookhouse
As primary schools prepare for the next stage of Government guidance, early planning can help ensure that any funding received leads to a space that is practical, inclusive, and used consistently across the school.
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