Alesha Dixon backs new pop up library helping UK children build brighter financial futures through reading
Experian and the National Literacy Trust launch a fairytale-inspired library pop up to boost reading and financial confidence in low literacy areas
A new campaign linking children’s reading skills with their future financial confidence has launched with support from Alesha Dixon, as Experian and the National Literacy Trust open a fairytale inspired pop up library for families.
The Library of No Returns aims to get thousands of free books into the hands of children living in the UK communities most affected by low literacy levels.
Experian’s recent analysis shows a strong correlation between literacy vulnerability and financial health, with the lowest literacy areas reporting credit scores up to 12% below the national average.
Alesha, who is a children’s author and Britain’s Got Talent star, will host storytelling sessions at the launch event in Walsall on 9th April alongside authors Steve Antony and Monika Singh Gangotra.
Why literacy and money skills are more connected than we think
The new findings show a clear link between reading ability and financial capability. Constituencies with the lowest literacy scores, such as Blaenau Gwent, Blackpool and Stoke on Trent, sit significantly below the UK’s average credit score of 850.
Research from the National Literacy Trust backs this up. Children with strong reading skills are four times more likely to have good financial capability than those with weak literacy. Meanwhile, children with the poorest reading outcomes are more than six times more likely to struggle with financial skills later on.
Alesha Dixon said: “Reading and writing opened doors for me long before I understood money or credit scores. I had to teach myself those skills later in life. If we can help children fall in love with books now, we’re not just inspiring imagination, we’re helping build the confidence and skills that shape their financial futures.”
John Webb, Head of Consumer Affairs at Experian UK&I, highlighted how closely literacy and financial confidence are linked.
“People often think of literacy and financial wellbeing as separate issues, but they are closely connected,” he said. “If children are supported to build strong reading skills early on, they are better placed to understand the world around them, make informed decisions and feel confident managing money later in life.”
A magical pop up library designed to spark a love of reading
The Library of No Returns transforms Pelsall Community Centre in Walsall into an immersive, fairytale style storytelling space.
Families can browse shelves of children’s books, join live readings and choose a book to take home permanently as well as listening to children’s authors Alesha, Steve Antony and Monika Singh Gangotra read stories.
Parents and carers are also invited to chat to Experian experts around building financial confidence.
The pop up is part of a wider programme distributing more than 5,000 free books across communities with lower literacy levels, with upcoming book drops planned in Stoke, Merthyr Tydfil and Nottingham.
Why this campaign matters to UK families
The initiative launches at a time when reading engagement is under significant pressure. One in ten children aged 5 to 18 do not own a book, rising to one in six in disadvantaged communities. Enjoyment of reading has also reached a new low, with just 33% of 8 to 18 year olds saying they read for pleasure, the lowest level since 2005.
Jason Vit from the National Literacy Trust says the partnership is crucial for reaching families who need support most. “Experian’s literacy vulnerability score has been pivotal in helping the National Literacy Trust target the areas in which we focus our place based approach.
"Today’s activity in Walsall is a fantastic example of how we work with the local community to engage families with reading for pleasure.”
Where the project goes next
The Big Give donation drive will run alongside the campaign, with Experian matching contributions to support literacy programmes nationwide. A group of millennial parent influencers will also be helping to spread the word.
Families can attend The Library of No Returns at Pelsall Community Centre, Walsall on 9 April from 9am - 4pm, with free entry offered on a first come, first served basis.