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INSIGHT


‘‘ School Libraries Group Making the most of the Yoto Carnegies O


NE of the highlights of my year as a school librarian was the Yoto Carnegie Awards and, even though I’m now


working freelance and no longer responsible for a library, they still are; from the announcement of the longlists, the further announcement of the shortlists and the ceremony itself where we discover the winners of these two prestigious awards (for writing and illustration).


I would use the lists to purchase new stock and start reading the titles, although I invariably chose books that never made it to the shortlist. I also ran a Shadowing Group with my students. For those unfamiliar with the Awards, this is a reading group comprised of students who read the shortlisted titles and vote for the book they think should win. It’s interesting that in all the years I’ve been running Shadowing Groups, the only title where we agreed with the judging panel was The Bunker Diaries by Kevin Brooks – a book that generated some controversy when it won!


Benefits


There are many benefits to running book groups. By its nature, reading is a solitary activity so a book group engenders social activity over a common interest, a place where avid readers have an opportunity to discuss books with like-minded others. Book groups also expose people to a wider range of titles and genres they may not have naturally selected; I know from personal experience this is the case. There are many books I’ve read as part of a group I wouldn’t have personally chosen and yet I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them. The discussion part is important; it


34 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL


stimulates intellectual growth, enhances communication skills and encourages you to consider things from another’s perspective, and it’s also interesting to share various interpretations of a story – with others, perhaps, highlighting aspects you may have missed.


The benefits of reading for pleasure are well documented: it improves wellbeing and self-esteem; reduces feelings of loneliness; enhances empathy and understanding; reduces stress and depression; and with children and young people, the evidence shows that reading for pleasure impacts on attainment across all subjects. So it’s no surprise that school librarians spend a lot of their time promoting books and encouraging students to become readers, and running book groups is a part of this as it can create a habit that stays with you even after you’ve left the group.


Literary exploration


Some of you may already belong to a book group and some may already read for pleasure – if you do why not have a look at the Yoto Carnegie for Writing shortlist, you’ll be able to get most via your public library. Don’t write them off because they’re children’s books; children’s publishing is currently producing some exceptional work, well researched books that explore a myriad of themes. I also know that a lot people struggle with finding the time to read, they’re so busy during the time with work, family and other commitments, and today’s technology filled life creates a lot of distractions. This is where belonging to a book group can give you the motivation and discipline to read regularly so do consider joining one if you’re struggling to fit reading into your life.


I’ve run several book groups in schools


to appeal to different students. Some shadowed book awards, some focused on a specific format such as graphic novels, others were linked to an author visit and one ran for the whole year; the latter involving the same students who were already avid readers. There are lots of book awards to follow too. As well as the Yoto Carnegie Awards there’s the Federation of Children’s Book Group Awards; the UKLA Awards; the Excelsior Award to mention a few. And we’re not restricted to fiction as we can always shadow the SLA Information Book Award or the Royal Society’s Young People’s Book Prize. All these awards are aimed at children (of differing ages) but there’s nothing stopping us from engaging our sixth formers and staff with adult book awards. There are endless possibilities – why not give one a try! IP


June 2023


Barbara Band is a School Library Consultant and SLG Newsletter Editor.


The benefits of reading for pleasure are well documented: it improves wellbeing and self-esteem; reduces feelings of loneliness...


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