Read to Achieve

Libraries Unlimited has secured more than £100,000 from the ScottishPower Foundation to help children across Devon discover the joy of reading. 

The new Read to Achieve programme is running from September 2026 to August 2027. The project will reach more than 2,500 children, parents and educators by working with a selection of primary schools in Devon, including some of the county's most disadvantaged communities. Through a series of creative literacy sessions children will have opportunities to meet authors, enjoy storytelling and poetry, experience drama and theatre, and explore stories through visual arts. The programme will bring schools, libraries and literacy specialists together to help build a lasting culture of reading for pleasure. 

Participating schools will receive a year of Premium membership to Libraries Unlimited's School Literacy Network, giving teachers access to literacy resources, professional development and practical tools to support reading across the curriculum. The programme comes at a time when children's enjoyment of reading is in decline. Research from the National Literacy Trust found that just 32.7% of 8–18-year-olds said they enjoy reading in their free time – the lowest level recorded in its 20-year survey. 

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Officer at Libraries Unlimited, said: 

"This programme is about much more than delivering activities. It's about libraries working closely with schools to create lasting change, helping children develop a genuine love of reading that will support their learning, wellbeing and future aspirations." 

Read to Achieve supports the aims of the national Go All In campaign, led by The Reading Agency, which is calling for action to reverse declining levels of children's reading enjoyment. 

With the support of the ScottishPower Foundation, Libraries Unlimited will work alongside schools and communities across Devon to help more children find books, stories and reading experiences that inspire them.