Reading Sparks

What is Reading Sparks?

Reading Sparks harnesses the creative power of reading to engage families with STEM activities (science, technology, engineering and maths) and build science confidence in communities living in deprived parts of England.  

The project is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries with funding from Arts Council England and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). 

How it works

As part of the Reading Sparks pilot, library partners gave reading and STEM book and activity boxes to families particularly disadvantaged by the pandemic. Using supporting resources, they worked with young people in different settings to develop positive, confidence-building reading and STEM activities for young people aged 14-18. Working with library staff and youth workers, participants designed new digital and in-person reading and science activities for families with children aged 4-11. 

Thanks to continued support from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Reading Sparks is now entering phase 2, where libraries will offer sessions of their choice and design to the groups they wish to work with,  using our exciting, engaging resources.  

If you have any questions about Reading Sparks or how your library service can get involved, please get in touch.