Only a third of eight to 18-year-olds enjoy reading, according to the National Literacy Trust’s most recent survey – the lowest level since 2005. In response to this, local housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes recently partnered with KITE College to build a community library for residents at Applegate Park, Sittingbourne, as part of its National Year of Reading campaign. The little library will be used by residents on the development to exchange books with one another, creating a community activity around reading.
Through their partnership with KITE College, a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provider, Barratt David Wilson Kent funded the materials required to build the miniature library. Located in Sittingbourne, KITE college offers education on vocational pathways like Construction, as well as support with independent living and wellbeing.
The partnership comes as 2026 is The National Year of Reading, a nationwide campaign aimed at tackling the decline in reading for pleasure. With distractions from screens at an all-time high, literary sector charities are partnering with celebrity ambassadors to encourage children and adults to go All In. This initiative meets readers where they are, focusing on stories about their existing passions, from music to sport.
Neil Hiller, Construction Tutor at KITE College, commented: “Working on a real-life project was a valuable experience for our students. Constructing the little library provided the opportunity for the class to improve their skills in carpentry and joinery. Knowing that the library would be used by local residents was a great source of motivation for the project, and the students very much enjoyed putting the library together.”
Natalie Perry, Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson Kent, commented: “With 2026 being the National Year of Reading, providing children and adults with access to books is especially important to ensure they can take part in the campaign. Installing a little library at Applegate Park means the residents will have no shortage of books throughout the summer.
“Applegate Park is more than a housing development – it’s a community, and initiatives like the little library help to bring the residents together and create a real sense of belonging. We’re grateful to KITE College for partnering with us on this project.”.
