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<p>The Department believes that all pupils deserve to be taught a curriculum that
promotes the extensive reading of books and other texts, both in and out of school.
School libraries complement public libraries in allowing pupils to do this.</p><p>
</p><p>It is for individual schools to decide how best to provide and maintain a library
service for their pupils, including whether to employ a qualified librarian. Many
head teachers recognise the important role school libraries play in improving literacy
and encouraging pupils to read for pleasure and to ensure that suitable library facilities
are provided. School libraries can take many forms, with some schools preferring to
make books a focus in other ways, including housing them within classrooms.</p><p>
</p><p>Given the autonomy granted to schools on how to provide a library service to
their pupils, the Department does not collect information on the number of school
libraries.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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