Voices at the Margins: An exploration of the perceptions of 'vulnerable' children, their families’ and library professionals regarding reading for pleasure and public libraries
Noble-Harrison, Anish
Authors
Anish Noble-Harrison
Abstract
Reading for pleasure is defined by Cremin (2014) as volitional, in which there is an anticipated satisfaction from such an activity. However, why children read and how it benefits them, has only been receiving attention in the policy space in the last nine years (DfE 2015; 2021). A problematised discussion on reading for pleasure for ‘vulnerable’ children and families is now emerging, which suggests certain groups of children read ‘less’ than their more advantaged peers (See NLT, 2011-2023; Clark, 2011; Wood et al., 2020; Rix, 2017; George, 2020 and Robinson et al., 2019). Whilst defining and evidencing what ‘less’ might look like has been problematic for this study, it instead focused on barriers to reading for pleasure, working directly with specific groups.
In exploring reading for pleasure, this thesis critically evaluates the role of public libraries, who are often cited as being solutions in supporting children and families, to read for pleasure (George, 2020). Through the lens of a single case-study and applying a participatory methodology with children, families and library professionals, this research widens discussions on what impacts children’s agency in reading for pleasure. The research findings challenge the adequacy of the phrase ‘reading for pleasure’ as a conceptual starting block and instead finds that reading is more akin to exploring one’s humanity. This research therefore challenges the baseline in which library and other professionals work, to explore ‘reading for pleasure’ with children. Moreover, children who are more ‘reluctant to read’ may struggle with an ideological framework which narrows the scope of reading for pleasure to a certain type of ‘read’ and ‘reader’. As such, this research urges that attention be paid to wider spheres, beyond the psychological.
This research has also found that the complexities of public libraries’ historic formation and current funding cuts, including de-professionalisation of the service, reflect both indicators of societal stratification and the absence of meaningful commitment to reading for pleasure at a policy and socioeconomic level, for our least advantaged children. This research reaffirms public libraries’ importance, whilst noting the need for libraries to critically reflect on their purpose. In exploring reading for pleasure, this research calls for a redefinition of what ‘reading for pleasure’ really is, to (re)engage children and families with reading as an activity of choice. The research also makes recommendations regarding libraries as inclusive spaces to explore ‘reading for pleasure’, to support children’s reading realities.
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Voices at the Margins: An exploration of the perceptions of 'vulnerable' children, their families’ and library professionals regarding reading for pleasure and public libraries
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