Three Swindon primary schools received bundles of free books as pupils returned to classes.

The Instant Library scheme comes from KPMG, the National Literacy Trust and Swindon Stories. They sent 30 brand new books published by Penguin Random House to Seven Fields Primary School, Swindon Academy, and Oak Tree Primary School along with reading and writing activities for the classroom and at home.

The schools will receive National Literacy Trust membership, giving teachers access to hundreds of inspiring resources, school improvement tools and online training for one year.

The initiative was launched by bestselling and award-winning children’s authors and illustrators Sam Copeland, Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola. Their books will be included in each instant library, and when social distancing measures allow, the trio will visit a number of lucky schools to bring their stories to life and inspire children to fall in love with reading.

Swindon Stories hub manager Anish Harrison said: “We’re so pleased to be able to deliver KPMG’s Instant Libraries to children who need them the most. Books have the power to inspire children’s creativity and provide children with comfort at this uncertain time.”

Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that school libraries have the power to enrich children’s literacy skills, academic achievements and mental wellbeing, yet only half of primary schools serving disadvantaged communities in the UK have one.

This initiative hopes to bring comfort and inspiration to children in Swindon during this uncertain time.