More than 10,000 children across Camden are set to receive their own library card as the Council automatically enrols every primary school pupil, giving more young people free access to books, learning and inspiration through Camden Libraries.
The new scheme, launching ahead of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, is designed to reach children who may not otherwise join a library. It will connect them with Camden’s libraries, free books, digital resources and year-round reading activities.
Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families, attended Argyle Primary School last week to gift library cards to a class of Year 2 pupils. He said:
“It’s been fantastic to visit the school and see the excitement on children’s faces as they received their library cards.
“This is about much more than library membership. By automatically enrolling every Camden pupil, we’re making it easier for children and young people to access free books, discover new ideas and make the most of everything our libraries have to offer.
“We know that reading can open doors, support learning and boost confidence, and we want every young person in Camden to have the opportunity to experience those benefits, no matter their background or circumstance.”
Jemima Wade, Headteacher at Argyle Primary School, said:
“We were thrilled to welcome Councillor Boyland to present our pupils with their new library cards. They’ll be so pleased to choose from the wonderful selection of children’s books on display at Camden Libraries. The work Camden is doing to help remove any barriers that may prevent a child from learning to read and wanting to read is fantastic and auto-enrolment completely supports this aim. It’s giving children access to a world of books, imagination and opportunity.”
The move comes during the National Year of Reading 2026 and recent research by the National Literacy Trust found that children’s reading enjoyment and daily reading levels have begun to recover after several years of decline, but remain significantly below levels seen a decade ago.
The research also highlights a widening gap in reading engagement between disadvantaged children and their peers, underlining the importance of initiatives that make reading and library services more accessible to all children.
Camden’s Reading Together strategy is helping to address this locally through schemes such as auto-enrolment for primary school children. Other initiatives include Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which delivers high-quality books directly to children’s homes, and the Share and Read with Baby packs, which provides new parents with their baby’s first Camden Libraries card and introduces families to library services and wider support from the very start of their child’s life.
This year’s enrolment programme will focus on primary school children who do not already have a library card, with follow-up visits from library staff planned for the autumn term to help pupils make the most of their membership. From autumn 2026, the scheme will become part of Camden’s annual offer, with every new Reception pupil automatically enrolled in Camden Libraries.
As part of the initiative, Camden Libraries are also strengthening support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). From the Autumn term, pupils from Robson House School will visit Swiss Cottage Library each week, where they will be supported to explore the library, borrow books and learn how to use their library cards before taking them home.
Pupils can use their new library cards to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2026. This year’s theme, Read to the Beat!, celebrates music, creativity and the power of stories to inspire and connect young people. Libraries across the borough will host a range of free activities, including interactive performances, songwriting workshops, family sessions and events in local parks.
By ensuring every Camden pupil is connected to library services, the Council hopes even more children will take part in the challenge, borrow books over the summer holidays and continue developing positive reading habits.
