+44 (0) 1273 386849The Future Looks Bright for UK Literacy: Are You Ready to Explore New Funding For Your School Library in 2026?
The UK government recently promised funding totalling £15 million for school libraries – £10 million for primary and £5 million for secondary. UK schools are being given a clear signal: libraries and literacy matter again.
For school librarians, teacher librarians, education budget holders, and PTAs, this is genuinely good news. But it also comes with questions. What will the funding look like? Who decides how it’s spent? And, crucially, how can we make sure these libraries last beyond the life of the grant?
At Simple Little Library System (SLLS), we believe the answer lies in simple, sustainable infrastructure. Not expensive tech, not flashy furniture, just solid systems that work for the long haul.
Commitments to School Libraries So Far (Up to End of 2025)
Full details of the new school library funding are still to come, but both pots of money signal a renewed national focus on reading for pleasure, with 2026 also declared the National Year of Reading.
- Primary Schools: Over £10 million pledged to ensure every primary school has a library by the end of this Parliament. This addresses a key gap: 1 in 7 primary schools currently lack a library, rising to 1 in 4 in disadvantaged areas.
- Secondary Schools: An additional £5 million announced in the 2025 Budget for state secondary school libraries, aimed at supporting literacy, engagement, and access to resources across the curriculum.
Why Should New School Libraries Start with a Library System?
With government funding now promised to both primary and secondary school libraries, schools are considering new or revitalised library spaces. But amid all the decisions – on shelving, stock, and location – one critical piece of infrastructure might be overlooked: the library catalogue.
A well-run library isn’t just about having books on shelves, it’s about making those books findable, borrowable, and visible to the whole school community. That requires a system, and ideally, one that’s there from the beginning.
Too often, systems are treated as a “next phase” purchase. But delaying can lead to missed opportunities. Stock isn’t catalogued properly, borrowing goes untracked, and there’s no reliable data to show impact when it’s most needed.
That’s where Simple Little Library System (SLLS) comes in.
We offer a purpose-built school library management system that’s ideal for settings with:
- No access to professionally qualified library staff
- Limited library admin time, including libraries run by teachers, volunteers, or PTAs
- Minimal in-house IT support or capacity
SLLS is straightforward to use, quick to implement, and designed to fit around real school life. It’s not over-engineered. It’s not locked behind complicated features. But it gives your library what it needs from day one: structure, visibility, and sustainability.
What Should Schools Be Doing Now?
We are all awaiting further details from the government but whether you’re in a primary or secondary setting, this is the time to lay the groundwork:
- Connect with your local Schools Library Service (SLS) early – they can provide invaluable support for stock selection, space design, and training.
- Audit what you already have: Books, furniture, skills? What’s missing? What’s working?
- Talk to your children and young people: Use the Lundy model (Space, Voice, Audience, Influence) to involve them meaningfully in planning.
- Think multipurpose: Libraries are also safe hubs, study zones, breakfast spaces, and social learning areas. Make them flexible.
- Get a system in place: Whether or not you have full-time staffing, you’ll need to track loans, support literacy interventions, and show outcomes.
Potential Challenges for School Librarians
As financial and future planning gets underway, it’s important to think beyond the initial school library funding and consider what will help them thrive in the long term. Sustainability is key. Schools will need to think carefully about how their new or improved libraries will be maintained – not just managed – for the years ahead.
Equity is another crucial consideration. Will the funding reach the schools and communities that need it most? And once it does, will those libraries be built to serve all pupils equally? Inclusive design, accessible stock, and thoughtful planning will be essential to ensure these spaces are welcoming and usable for children with different needs, backgrounds, and abilities.
There’s also the wider school environment to think about. For example, with universal breakfast clubs being rolled out, existing school spaces may be in higher demand or used in new ways. Coordinating how those shared spaces are timetabled and staffed will require attention and collaboration across the school.
And finally, if you’re involving pupils in the design and direction of your library – brilliant. But be prepared to follow through with integrity. Participation shouldn’t be tokenistic. If children make suggestions that can’t be acted on, be honest and respectful in your response.
Whatever Happens, Your School Library Will Be Prepared for the Future
There’s a window open. For the first time in years, library funding is on the table across both primary and secondary sectors.
But funding alone doesn’t build a lasting library. You need tools, support, and a plan.
SLLS is here to help you make this moment count. Our low-cost, no-fuss system gives you the foundation to build something real, useful, and lasting – for every student, in every setting.
Library Glossary for School Librarians
As a school librarian, understanding key library terms is essential. Our comprehensive library glossary provides clear definitions to help you navigate the world of library science with confidence.
Download your free glossary here:
Invest in your new library with a new catalogue
Don’t just take our word for it, see what you can achieve with a new school library catalogue.
We’re offering a Free One-Month Trial, with no obligations or credit card requirements, so you can experience the new SLLS for yourself – simple, powerful, and built for real libraries.
