Libraries team up with local schools on exciting new literacy project
Posted on 14 Feb 2023
North Ayrshire Libraries are delighted to announce that library staff will be working with Castlepark, Loudoun Montgomery and Springside primaries at Irvine and Dreghorn libraries to develop literacy-based library class visits over the coming months.
Set to begin ahead of the Easter break, the new learning initiative called ‘Off the Page’ will use poetry, the arts and film to stimulate creativity so that pupils can explore literacy in new and creative ways.
Funded by the Public Library Improvement Fund, the project will run from May until June with additional activities for the families of the children involved during the summer holidays.
Headteacher of Loudoun Montgomery, Paul Bleakley commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to be one of the chosen schools participating in the new Off the Page project.
“Public libraries are the cornerstone of our communities, and this new initiative is not only a great learning opportunity for our primary 4 and 5 pupils, it is also a fantastic way of showing them all of the great resources our local libraries have to offer children and their families.
“Our teachers and pupils are looking forward to getting involved in the upcoming library visits as this will give them the chance to meet with other local schools and learn more about literacy in exciting and creative ways.”
North Ayrshire Libraries will now engage with local artists and a poet who will help to inform the interactive literacy sessions.
Councillor Alan Hill Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands commented: “Well done to North Ayrshire Libraries who have been successful in securing funding for the Off the Page project.
“Language and literacy are key pillars of learning, therefore a project that is promoting the importance of literature from a young age is going to be so beneficial for our young pupils.
“The sessions will help teachers and children taking part to learn more about how children’s literature and poetry can help to spark imagination, encourage creativity and improve reading, language and communication skills.
“The aim of the project is to not only make a positive contribution to improving literacy, it will also improve the confidence of everyone involved and hopefully encourage more children to read and write for enjoyment in their own free time.”
Stay tuned to social media later this month where we’ll have news of the local artists and poets taking part.
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Or, find out more about the free services, membership and reading resources they provide on our website: Libraries (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)