Essex School Library Service is delighted to be involved in two DCSF initiatives designed to promote the enjoyment of books and reading to boys.

The first initiative targets boys aged 11 – 16 in pupil referral units.  Following on from last year’s project aimed at boys in this age group in secondary schools, each unit will receive a collection of books ordered from a booklist prepared by the School Library Association. These will be distributed by our service.

The second initiative – a huge undertaking – will be to place collections of books in schools aimed at primary aged boys.  Again these will be distributed by the SLS, having been selected from a booklist compiled by the SLA. The association was asked to produce the booklist on behalf of the DCSF who are funding both initiatives.

As well as promoting greater involvement by boys in books and reading, it is hoped that these initiatives will improve literacy skills and encourage partnership working.

Boys into Books update
We are now in the process of delivering collections to all of our 573 schools. Each pack will contain a range of activities that have been produced in-house.  To support the reader development requirement of this initiative we have booked a range of well-known authors to appear in schools and public libraries across the County.  All of our chosen authors have written books which appeal to boys.