Reading for Pleasure

“Whatever pupils’ socio-economic background, making sure that they become engaged with reading from the beginning is one of the most important ways to make a difference to their life chances.” DfE Reading Framework July 2023

A woman holds up a book and reads to a group of children

We stock a wide range of quality fiction and non-fiction for all ages and abilities which is selected and reviewed by our professional librarians.

Our librarian team can offer expert advice on books to suit your pupils’ needs.

Primary Reading for Pleasure Support Package

The package provides practical ways to support the new DfE Framework for Reading July 2023.

It can be tailored to either KS1 or KS2.

• 50 books which can be refreshed regularly

• One 30 minute booktalk for pupils or teachers to improve book knowledge

• Participation in InspiREAD 2024

• Termly newsletter of recommended new RfP books (includes suggestions for books that read aloud well)

Cost £435.50 (+VAT)

Brilliant Book Award Package

This package will be delivered from November 2023 until the end of March 2024. It will include:

  • Five copies of the six short listed books
  • Access to virtual content including reviews and voting
  • Access to author events
  • Bookmarks, posters and certificates sent electronically

Cost £550 (+VAT)

This is a great way to encourage reading for pleasure in your school. Tried and tested track record in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire since 2006.

“The books were very inspirational and fun to read.” Pupil BBA participant

“I liked knowing that my vote counted” Pupil BBA participant

“The Brilliant Book Award is fantastic for developing wider reading habits and encouraging young people to try new authors or genres. The author visits and quiz help to foster a sense of community and to forge new friendships.” School Librarian

“The students love meeting the authors of the books shortlisted. It makes it a far more personal journey and the students really care about who will win. Additionally, it heightens the level of anticipation as they want to know who will make it to the shortlist the following year.” School Librarian

Book Clubs

The ELS professional librarians can help you with advice if you are considering starting book clubs in your school. We can also support them by providing regular collections of fiction or non-fiction as part of your whole school book allowance.

Book clubs can benefit your school in various ways including:

  • Increasing positive attitudes to reading for pleasure
  • Supporting emotional wellbeing
  • Raising literacy standards
  • Raising overall attainment of pupils

Author Visits

An author reads her book to a child next to a table

Hosting a local author in your school is a great way of promoting reading for pleasure. ELS can help you by signposting to local authors who are available to visit schools. 

Please contact us for more information.

Open University Teachers Reading Groups

ELS supports the activities of the OU Reading for Pleasure (RfP) network of teachers, student teachers, librarians, and English leaders in the aim of nurturing lifelong readers. ELS professional librarians attend the OU Teachers Reading Group (TRG) courses in Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City, Derby City and Derbyshire wherever possible.
 
If you are planning to run a TRG and you would like the support of the ELS professional librarians, please contact us.

To find out more about the OU RfP community please visit their website.

Booklists and Resources

A screenshot of the Best Books list newsletter with three books

Our professional librarians read and review all books purchased. We then produce recommended book lists every term in the categories of Best Picture Books, Best Primary Books, and Best Secondary Books.

If you would like access to our back catalogue of book lists, download our Best Fiction Lists or please contact us.

In addition, we also produce book lists throughout the academic year to accompany national initiatives such as Empathy Day and Black History Month. Please contact us if you would like further information.

Books from the lists can be borrowed from ELS. They can also be bought from Peters, the specialist children’s book supplier, with a discount for ELS customers.

Mobile Library Bus

Exterior photo of the mobile library bus

The ELS mobile library is a great way to help promote reading for pleasure in your school.

Children and young people who would not normally access libraries in their spare time can enjoy a quality library experience for themselves. They are often more motivated to read for pleasure when they have made their own choices.

The mobile library stocks a wide range of fiction and non-fiction leisure reading for 3-11 year olds. It also contains books suited to older readers in special schools.

The ELS mobile can be booked to visit any primary school, day nursery or specialist setting throughout Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City, some areas of Derbyshire and Derby City. 

Find out more about our mobile library service