Rachel Reeves recently pledged that every primary school in England will have a library by 2029, in a bid to support the 1,700 schools that currently don't have one. Some believe it's an ambitious goal, and there are still questions about funding, space, and staffing - but the drive highlights something we at Cabins for Schools have long known: with the right design, library cabins and modular libraries can be a fast, flexible, and cost-effective way to give pupils access to reading spaces. Let's discuss what this pledge means, what schools need to do, and how our library cabins and modular libraries can bridge the gap.
Why this 'Library for Every Primary' pledge matters
Still today, 1 in every 7 primary schools in England doesn't have a library or dedicated library space, and in some under-resourced areas, this figure is as much as 1 in 4 primary schools. This is especially concerning since 1 in 10 children currently don't have any books at home either. These statistics reveal that unfortunately, many children aren't accessing books or reading environments.
"The Chancellor’s promise to create libraries in 1,700 primaries has been welcomed by teaching unions, but questions have been raised over difficulties in finding space and staff." - TES Magazine.
For a large number of primary schools, having a lack of suitable space or funding has been the main barrier to having library facilities. The good news is that modular library buildings and library cabins offer a practical, cost-effective solution for schools that lack space or want a dedicated reading area without major, costly construction.
What makes a great primary school library?
To meet the pledge meaningfully, a school library needs more than just some books on a hallway shelf or stored away in a cupboard. A successful primary school library space should be purpose-built, designed to be used and valued every day. Here are some important elements:
A dedicated space
A standalone library building or library cabin allows for regular use, whether for story time, quiet reading, small group work or literacy interventions. Having a separate, recognisable space gives reading the importance it deserves. Having a standalone space also ensures a quieter environment where children can fully relax and concentrate, away from any potential distractions or disturbances in the main school building.
Layout and lighting
Well-designed layouts make the most of available space and natural light, creating a calm and inviting environment. Shelves, seating and reading zones should flow naturally and feel open and accessible. In modular libraries, large windows and glass doors bring in plenty of natural light, as does having a solar dome in a library cabin!
Stock and diversity
It's important to stock your school library with a variety of books that reflect the different interests and backgrounds of your whole school community, offering a range of fiction, non-fiction and diverse voices to help every child see themselves in the stories they read.
Furniture & shelving
Providing comfy seats such as bean bags or bench seating with cushions will give children somewhere to properly settle down and relax. Choosing proper shelving and display units will also ensure your library is functional and the books are in sight and accessible.
Examples from our recent school library projects
We work with schools across the country to design, manufacture and install cost-effective modular libraries and library cabins. Each of our reading environments are built to meet the individual school's priorities, from small reading rooms to larger whole class facilities. Take a look at just some of the schools we've created libraries for:
Morven Park Primary School's modular library
This primary school in Nottingham chose to transform their provisions by investing in a bespoke modular library. After carefully discussing their requirements, we agreed on a 8m x 4m hybrid cedar-clad modular library building, which we installed in their playground area so the children could choose to read for pleasure at break and lunch times. The result is a bright, modern and welcoming library environment that has become a focal point of the school. Children now have a quiet, engaging space to read for pleasure, somewhere they are genuinely excited to spend time in.
Donington Cowley Endowed Primary School's Outdoor Library Cabin
We were delighted to install 'Robin’s Nest', a 17m² log cabin school library cabin with a side-room extension for Donington Cowley Endowed Primary School in Spalding, Lincolnshire. Funded by The Cowley Trust, this new facility provides an inspiring learning environment for shared reading, independent study, and storytelling.
Inside, the warm timber interior and built-in bench seating create a cosy, welcoming space where pupils can settle down with a book or listen to stories together. Designed to spark imagination and a love of reading, Robin’s Nest is already playing a valuable role in the school’s ongoing commitment to literacy and pupil wellbeing.
Sherbourne Fields School's Connected library cabins
Sherbourne Fields School in Coventry, an all-age specialist school, offers an exciting and creative education to pupils with a wide range of physical, medical, and learning needs. To enhance the learning experience for their students, the school decided to add a unique and inspiring element to their facilities. They chose our 14m² connected cabins with solar domes and a covered porch to create a brand-new, magical school library space.
The new library is not just a place to read, but an engaging and cosy learning environment that stimulates students. The cabins are designed to provide a comfortable, accessible, and immersive space where students can explore books, settle down, and enjoy a sense of wonder. With thoughtful design features such as natural light from the solar domes and bench seating areas, the new library offers an exciting atmosphere that encourages both independent and collaborative learning.
Flexible library solutions for every school
As the examples above show, every school has their own requirements when it comes to reading spaces. Our school library cabins are customisable to suit the needs of your educational setting, whether you're looking for a small reading nook or reading retreat, a larger library building, or a multifunctional reading and literacy space. We work closely with each school to design a layout that maximises space and encourages interaction, creativity, and independent learning.
Reeve's pledge to give every primary school a library by 2029 could make real change, impacting reading culture and educational equality in England. A well-designed school library or reading nook can have a profound impact on students' academic success and enthusiasm for learning, and our modular libraries and cabins are well-positioned to help primary schools to meet that target quickly, flexibly, and meaningfully.
If your school is thinking about adding a library or reading space, we can help guide you through design, sizing, and budgeting. Check out our digital pricing guide for example project prices and see what might work for your school. You can also book a video call with one of our education building experts to ask any questions and receive tailored advice for your primary-phase setting. Providing a dedicated space which is built to last will benefit students for years to come. Let’s make sure no child misses out on the magic of reading.
-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=CFS%20pricing%20guide%20(2)-1.png)