Local MP Seeks National Digital Library for Schools Following Work of Henley Charity

Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, has called on the Government to explore a new national approach to boosting children’s reading for pleasure, following a recent meeting with  Elibraries for Schools (ELFS), a Henley based charity campaigning for better access to ebooks in primary schools.

The charity, led by Bridget Martindale and Ian Shepherd, has been piloting a centralised digital library model in primary schools. Their approach uses an existing elibrary platform supported by a child friendly search and discovery system, giving pupils instant access to a wide range of ebooks. Early results from the pilot show a significant increase in reading engagement.

Shortly after meeting the charity, Freddie raised the importance of digital reading with the Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, in the House of Commons. She invited him to contribute to the Government’s work on digital provision as part of the National Year of Reading 2026. This week Freddie wrote to the Secretary of State to accept that invitation and to highlight the promising results emerging from the ELFS pilot.

In his letter, Freddie explained that a National School Digital Library could offer a cost effective and equitable way to ensure every primary school child in England can access a rich library of books regardless of their background. The model would allow children across the country to share the same digital collection, giving universal access without relying on families or schools to purchase or source books individually.

The charity has also written to the Secretary of State, setting out its proposal for a national elibrary system and emphasising that children who currently have the least access to books stand to benefit the most.

Bridget Martindale from ELFS said:
“We are delighted that Freddie has taken such a strong interest in our work. The early results from our pilot show a clear unmet need. Many children simply do not have access to books in their daily lives. A national digital library could transform that at a stroke and make reading for pleasure a realistic possibility for every child. ”

Speaking after sending his letter, Freddie van Mierlo MP said:
“Here in Henley, we have some fantastic local initiatives working to improve literacy and ELFS is leading the way. Their pilot demonstrates that digital access can make a real difference, particularly for children who might otherwise struggle to find books. I am very pleased that the Secretary of State has asked me to support the development of the Government’s digital reading strategy for the National Year of Reading 2026. I look forward to ensuring that the insights from this important local project help shape national policy. ”