In a celebration of books, history, and lifelong learning, the Global Phonics and Literacy Research Centre (GPLRC)—a leading literacy research and teacher development institution operated by the Smart Rudder Group—recently organized an enriching educational trip to the British Library for a group of young readers and their families.

The one-day trip, held in mid-July, brought together members of GPLRC’s community-based Reading Club, including students from local schools and their parents. The event aimed to deepen participants’ appreciation of reading and storytelling by exposing them to one of the most iconic literary institutions in the world.

Exploring the Treasures of the British Library

Families were guided through the Treasures Gallery, where they viewed historic texts such as Shakespeare’s First Folio, original manuscripts by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, and ancient sacred texts from around the world. Special phonics-friendly guides were created for young learners to help them engage with the exhibits through key vocabulary, decoding challenges, and themed worksheets.

Participants also enjoyed:

• A family-friendly literacy tour tailored to early and developing readers
• A storytelling session led by GPLRC educators in the Library’s Learning Centre
• Creative writing prompts inspired by the exhibits
• Discussions on the power of books to shape identity, imagination, and community

Encouraging a Love of Reading at All Ages

“This trip was about inspiring children and their families to see reading as an adventure beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Weiwei Zhang, Curriculum Director of Smart Rudder. “The British Library is more than a place for scholars—it’s a place where stories from across time and cultures come alive, and we want every child to feel part of that world.”

Parents praised the event for its educational value and its role in encouraging quality family learning time. Many noted that their children left the library excited to explore new books and write their own stories.

Part of a Broader Community Engagement Mission

The British Library visit is part of GPLRC’s broader community engagement strategy, which blends research with practice by bringing learning experiences into real-world contexts. The trip also aligns with the Centre’s work under its Phonics Learning and Cultural Differences Division, which explores how access to literature and heritage can support reading development across cultures and languages.

Following the success of this visit, GPLRC plans to organize similar trips to literary landmarks, museums, and libraries across the UK.