Bookfest

Support Us

Why help us?

According to research published by the Institute of Education in February 2014 (Research Briefing No. 106), children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better at school than their peers who do not. “Reading for fun improves not only literacy but maths attainment too…From a policy perspective, this strongly supports the need to support and encourage children’s reading in their leisure time, especially given that the available evidence on trends over time suggests that children’s reading for pleasure has declined in recent years.”

In a recent survey amongst teachers from 33 Shropshire primary schools that had taken part in a Bookfest reading development project, results indicated that in 85% of cases, the project encouraged pupils to read more than usual and in 92% of schools the scheme created a positive impact on attitudes towards reading.

“As a school we have welcomed this experience and Bookfest is seen as an essential tool for us to develop the enjoyment of reading throughout our school. When a Y6 reluctant reader is reported to have said, ‘I have never read as many books in such a short time’, I know we are on the right track.” Head Teacher from Market Drayton Primary School

“It was the first time I have been involved with Bookfest and I was incredibly impressed with the project; everyone running and supporting the event was extremely professional and focused. It was so exciting for the children (and I) to have such intimate access to professional, well known writers. For the children it has made the process of writing and story telling a lot less mysterious and opaque; this has greatly improved their understanding of storytelling and writing.”
Adele Thain, Literacy Coordinator, Harlescott Junior School

Volunteer with us

We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to join our friendly group of Volunteers, who play a vital and active role in delivering our projects into schools and supporting our overall aim of encouraging a love of reading and books among young people.

Please contact us at hello@shropshirebookfest.co.uk if you would like to find out more.

We would also love to hear from you if you would be interested in joining our Board of Trustees.