Rachel Reeves Unveils Ambitious Plan to Bring a Library to Every Primary School in England

Published: 29 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has announced a bold initiative to provide a library in every primary school across England, as part of a wider plan to ensure that all children receive the best possible start in life, regardless of their socio-economic background. The proposal, which targets 1,700 primary schools currently without dedicated library facilities, is designed to give young students access to cultural resources and foster a lifelong love of reading. Funding for the ambitious program will come from £132.5 million in dormant assets, which will be redirected to support educational and cultural opportunities for children.

According to research conducted by the National Literacy Trust, approximately one in seven primary schools in the UK do not have a library. In more disadvantaged areas, the problem is even more acute, with one in four schools lacking access to a proper library space. The absence of such facilities has long been considered a barrier to literacy development and educational equity, particularly for children from underprivileged communities. By creating libraries in these schools, Reeves aims to provide children with not just access to books, but a nurturing environment where imagination and curiosity can flourish.

Children’s authors and illustrators have already voiced strong support for the scheme. Axel Scheffler, the illustrator of the beloved Gruffalo series, described school libraries as “more than just a room full of books,” emphasizing that such spaces are where “imaginations grow, confidence builds, and a lifelong love of reading takes root.” Similarly, author Cressida Cowell highlighted the role of early exposure to literature in fostering creativity, communication skills, and critical thinking, all essential tools for lifelong learning and personal development.

Reeves is expected to formally unveil the scheme during her speech at the Labour Party conference, where she will also introduce a youth employment initiative aimed at reducing long-term unemployment among young people. Under this complementary policy, individuals on universal credit who have been out of work or education for eighteen months will be guaranteed an offer of paid employment. While the program seeks to provide young people with practical opportunities to gain skills and experience, participation will carry conditions; claimants who refuse employment offers without a reasonable justification may face sanctions, echoing elements of former “workfare” schemes.

The broader theme of Reeves’ conference address will center on the concept of “contribution.” She will advocate for a vision of Britain where citizens support one another, and hard work is met with fair reward. The chancellor will argue that providing opportunities, particularly for the next generation, is a cornerstone of economic responsibility and social cohesion. “I believe in a Britain founded on contribution, where we do our duty for each other, and where hard work is matched by fair reward,” Reeves will state. “I believe in a Britain based on opportunity, where ordinary children can flourish, unhindered by their background.”

Labour leadership has indicated that the emphasis on contribution is intended to provide voters with a clear understanding of the party’s priorities. Party leader Keir Starmer emphasized in a recent BBC interview that by the conclusion of the conference, the public should have no ambiguity about Labour’s mission and vision for government. “I hope that people cannot say they do not know what we stand for, what this government is trying to achieve,” Starmer remarked, underscoring the importance of clear messaging in shaping public perception.

Pat McFadden, Labour’s Welfare Secretary, who will oversee the implementation of the youth guarantee program, highlighted the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by young people. “Almost a million young people are not in education, employment, or training,” he said. “We will not stand by while a generation is consigned to benefits almost before they have begun their working lives. We cannot allow promising school pupils to grow into frustrated adults. The youth guarantee ensures that every young person has the chance to get up and get on.”

The library initiative is intended to be more than a symbolic gesture. By providing children with consistent access to books and reading materials, the program aims to improve literacy rates, academic achievement, and social mobility. Schools will be able to curate collections that meet the specific needs of their students, from early readers to more advanced materials suitable for developing critical thinking skills. Reeves’ vision emphasizes that libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and cultural engagement, equipping children with tools to succeed both academically and personally.

In tandem with the library project, the youth employment scheme seeks to address long-standing concerns about unemployment among young people in the UK. By linking early intervention with practical employment opportunities, Labour aims to reduce dependency on social benefits and foster a culture of personal responsibility and community contribution. The plan has drawn comparisons to historical workfare initiatives, yet Labour officials stress that the current proposal is designed to be supportive and structured, providing mentorship, skills training, and career development alongside guaranteed work placements.

Reeves’ proposals also reflect a strategic approach to economic policy. Labour sources indicate that while the focus remains on delivering meaningful social programs, the party is also attentive to fiscal responsibility. Although pressures exist within the party to reconsider certain fiscal rules, officials suggest that the library and youth employment schemes will proceed without immediate discussion of potential tax increases. The broader goal, according to Reeves, is to balance social investment with economic prudence, ensuring sustainable funding for essential programs without overburdening the public.

The funding for the library initiative, drawn from dormant assets, represents a creative approach to resource allocation. By repurposing previously untapped financial reserves, the government can deliver a tangible benefit to children without immediate reliance on increased taxation or borrowing. Analysts suggest that this method of funding underscores the potential for innovative policy solutions that address social inequities while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Critics, however, may question the feasibility of implementing such a wide-ranging program and whether the promised benefits can be realized within the proposed timelines. Effective execution will require coordination with schools, local authorities, librarians, and educators to ensure that each library meets the needs of its student body. Additionally, the youth employment component will need to navigate challenges associated with workforce readiness, employer engagement, and equitable access to opportunities across different regions of the country.

Nonetheless, the announcement marks a significant step toward addressing structural inequalities in education and employment. By focusing on literacy and early engagement, Reeves aims to provide children with the foundation they need to thrive academically and socially. The parallel focus on youth employment further emphasizes Labour’s commitment to bridging gaps in opportunity and promoting social mobility, ensuring that young people have meaningful pathways to contribute to society.

In sum, Rachel Reeves’ dual initiatives—delivering libraries to all primary schools and guaranteeing work for young people—reflect a broader vision of a society rooted in opportunity, contribution, and equitable access to resources. By targeting both education and early career development, the proposals aim to create lasting benefits for children and young adults, fostering a generation equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the modern world. As these policies are unveiled at the Labour Party conference, they signal an ambitious commitment to reshaping the educational and economic landscape of England for the better.