Government set make classic books cheaper for schools, but Derby Library Services say it's inapp
The Government should spend money on books children want to read rather than ‘classics’, says Derby library services.
Schools Minster, Nick Gibb, has challenged publishers to make 100 classic books cheaper for Secondary schools.
Penguin have already suggested that 100 books from their Black Classics range which comprises of titles such as Black Beauty and Dracula will be included the scheme.
Derby Children’s Library Service’s Manager, Hillary Marshall, says that: 'I think librarians would rather the Government spend their money on up to date books children will read.
'Back in 2001 through a combination of lottery funding and sponsorship all UK Secondary schools were gifted Millennium Everyman Classics Collection', says Hilary.
This collection consisted of 250 books that were to help children discover important works of literature.
However, she says the scheme has not worked: 'the books on offer were totally inappropriate.
'Library Service’s Colleagues visiting schools speak of books still in pristine condition with few checkouts', she explains.
However Hilary says; 'it is great that the Government is thinking about books and reading.
The issue really is the Government have little awareness of contemporary teenage writing and fall back on what they know.'
Conservative councillor, John Keith, who represents Mickleover on Derby City Council says: 'I think any incentive to encourage children to read must be a good thing.
'The normal cost of books can put people off buying them. Classics help a pupil’s comprehension and can encourage them to read better books.'
The money could be spent better elsewhere, says Hillary Marshall, she suggests the government should invest in the Bookbuzz scheme run by the charity Booktrust.
Bookbuzz is a scheme where year 7 and 8 pupils are encouraged to read by choosing a book which is given to them by the charity.
This scheme costs £2.50 per student, but in the past it used to be free, Hilary says; 'it is far better to provide funding to make it free once again and perhaps include some classic titles in the mix, all with new inspiring covers.'
In Derby city centre it seems that the public are not worried about what children read as long as they are reading a book they want to read.
Christine Lawrence, 56, says: 'If they are interested in learning the English language then yes it is a good idea. If they just want to be entertained they may as well read the beano.'
'The problem with classics is some are very dated and I think it’s hard to connect with but whatever gets kids’ reading is ok with me', says Anthony Townsend, 45.
Judith Cooper, 36, says: 'A passion for reading comes from an interest in the type of books you enjoy, so I think they should read whatever they want.'
In 2013 the Institute of Education analysed the reading behaviour of approximately 6,000 children.
The report says: 'children who read for pleasure made more progress in maths, vocabulary and spelling between the ages of 10 and 16 than those who rarely read.'
In the announcement made on November 17 Nick Gibb said: 'Access to these wonderful novels shouldn’t be the preserve of the few.
'I want every school to have a stock of classics such as ‘Great Expectations’, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Jane Eyre’ so whole classes across the country can enjoy them together.'
The scheme supports a bid made earlier this year which intended to make English pupils the most literate in Europe by 2020.
