This week, Oak National Academy and the National Literacy Trust have launched a Virtual School Library to support families during the third national lockdown.

The Virtual School Library hosts free reading and writing content from much-loved children’s authors – providing a free-to-access book every week from the platform’s author of the week.

Dame Jacqueline Wilson DBE’s The Story of Tracy Beaker, illustrated by Nick Sharratt (Penguin Random House Children’s UK) is the first book to feature and will be entirely free to access and read for a week from 17 January.

The National Literacy Trust is a dedicated to improving the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of those who need it most, giving them the best possible chance of success in school, work and life. We run Literacy Hubs and campaigns in communities where low levels of literacy and social mobility are seriously impacting people’s lives.

Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell said “School libraries are vital, nurturing a love of reading that can enrich children’s literacy skills and mental wellbeing. The aim of the Virtual School Library is to ensure children have access to the magical world of stories at a time when many are learning from home.”

Access the Virtual School Library online at https://library.thenational.academy/