Reading for Pleasure is the reading that we do of our own free will, for the anticipation of the enjoyment that we will get from the act of reading.

Our libraries are the perfect place to support children reading for pleasure. With thousands of titles in stock, all free to borrow and reserve, there's something for every kind of reader.

Importance of children reading

Whether or not a child reads for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of their future success, more than family circumstances, their parents educational background, or income.

Children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better at school than their peers, have higher levels of self-esteem and a greater ability to cope with difficult situations.

Reading for pleasure can:

• reduce the symptoms of depression
• improve wellbeing throughout life
• make people feel more connected to the wider community
• increase their understanding of their own identity
• improve empathy
• give readers an insight into the world view of others