BookTrust Storytime latest evaluation findings
This page summarises the latest findings from our BookTrust Storytime programme evaluation.
Author Caryl Hart at a Storytime session
In 2024–25, BookTrust Storytime was delivered in 2,568 libraries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland – around 90% of all libraries in these regions.
We estimate that the programme reached over 60,000 children aged 5 and under and their families.
Of these children, we estimate that:
- 34% of children engaged were new to the library or setting.
- 51% were from lower-income households.
- 59% returned to the library or setting after their initial visit.
There really is a spike in book borrowing afterwards […] People may not have been in the library for about ten years, and now they’re borrowing books for their family. We know from experience; we keep those people as readers for life.
Jacqueline Condit, Glengormley Library, Northern Ireland.
What we’ve heard from our library partners
Library staff told us they face increasing challenges in supporting families, particularly around children’s reading enjoyment, speech and language delays, wellbeing and socio-emotional development. Despite these pressures, staff emphasised the value of BookTrust Storytime in helping them to engage families with reading.
From our 2025 BookTrust Partner Survey:
84% of library staff delivering BookTrust Storytime said the programme helped support their library’s work with children under five.
77% said the programme helped early years families to build shared reading routines.
70% told us the programme was effective in supporting families who were new to the library, or who would not normally use library services, to have a positive experience.
The [BookTrust Storytime] resources have been a vital tool in helping us engage with partner organisations who work directly with families who are facing challenges. They are an excellent way in to then promote our other services.
Library, North West England
Read the latest report
Read our previous reports
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BookTrust Storytime is an exciting library experience for families, offering a fun, free, and easy way to entertain under 5s at local libraries.