The Isle of Wight Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, and School readers volunteer, Jeanne Jones, launch the Book Bag Initiative to support local primary schools during the National Year of Reading 2026.
A literacy initiative was officially launched this month by Jeanne Jones and the Lord-Lieutenant, marking a major step forward in supporting young readers during the National Year of Reading.
The project brings together local town and parish councils to fund and supply book bags for primary school pupils across selected Island schools.
Reading is a vital life skill that underpins children’s confidence, well-being, and educational attainment. And with 2026 nationally designated as the Year of Reading, this initiative provides a practical and meaningful opportunity for councils to support young learners and strengthen community engagement in literacy.
Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon said:
“This initiative embodies what the Year of Reading is all about and is dear to my heart —encouraging a love of books, supporting our schools, and bringing communities together.”
Town and parish councils have played an essential role by funding the book bags for participating primary schools, ensuring that all pupils—regardless of family circumstance can benefit.
The scheme supports early reading habits at home, protects schoolbooks, reduces financial pressure on families, and promotes equality of access to learning resources.
Jeanne Jones added:
“Book bags may seem like a small item, but they make a significant difference, they help create a positive routine around reading, strengthen home–school connections, and give every child the same opportunity to enjoy books.”
Books!? What’s that then? It sounds ridiculous, explaining that reading is a vital skill in life. Errr yeah!? I wonder how many youngsters can actually read and write at all these days. It’s shocking, just tied to chairs in front of TVs or zombified scrolling on phones and tablets all day long,
It’s very sad… anyway kids always had a book bag at school?! So they don’t get them anymore. No wonder they don’t know what a book is :/