World Book Day 2018 –Share a story

The Department of Education (DfE) analysis conducted in 2014 suggests that if all pupils in England read for enjoyment every day or almost every day, the boost to Key Stage 2 performance would be the equivalent of a rise of eight percentage points in the proportion achieving a level 4b (from its current level of 67% to 75%).

The event sees pupils all over the UK dress as their favourite story book characters, receive book tokens and take part in schools events to mark the special occasion.

But it isn’t just for students! Teachers and parents all take part throughout the day. This year we have asked the Innova team who their favorite character/book is and what their favourite quote is, here’s what they had to say:

Name: Adam Dougdale,
Job title: Design Manager:
Author: Terry Pratchett
Character: Lord Vetinari
Quote: “One of my predecessors used to have people torn to death by wild tortoises. It was not a quick death.”

Name: Robert Brooks
Job title: Designer
Author: Raoul Duke – Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Hunter S Thompson
Reason: Duke is an interesting character an outlaw who does not break the law in an offensive way to society, but a way that in fact makes him more acceptable. Duke is often characterised as being somewhat of an author surrogate, a source of quotes and opinions that Thompson would not necessarily be able to get away with him, and actions that Thompson didn’t want to admit he had committed himself which makes the book so intriguing.
Quote: “There he goes. One of God’s own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.”

Name: Maggie Li
Job title: Designer
Author: Paulo Coelho
Book: The Alchemist- A book about following your dreams.
Quote: “Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.”

Why creating the perfect reading space is important – Infographic

Inspirational libraries from around the world

From school libraries in Cornwall to inspirational reading environments in Los Angeles, we take a look at some of the world’s most innovative libraries, created to inspire students to read.

The library at Cordwalles junior school in Surrey has been transformed into an enchanted forest complete with Astroturf for carpet. It embellishes a magical feel along with working water features.

Philips Exeter Academy Library is an independent boarding school located in Exeter, New Hampshire. It is the largest secondary school library in the world, containing 160,000 volumes. It was designed by the Architect Louis Kahn in 1965. In 1997 the library received the twenty-five year award from the American Institute of Architects, an award that recognises architectural endurance, an award that is only ever given to one building one year.

Locke High School in Los Angeles renovated their 3,000 square foot student area into an open, minimalist space that is referred to as Locke Jetspace. It includes both layered hexagonal towers which can be modified to serve as seating and shelving.

A college in Suffolk, One Sixth Form, built this learning resource centre with reading and computer facilities in their school atrium. It is used by students and the local community..

Need more incentive to pick up a book? Research has indicated that reading fiction is associated with higher levels of empathy and improved relationships with others. Read the full report here.