Bookbanks

Bookbanks brings books to food banks. 

Over 3 % of UK individuals (2.3 million people) are using food banks

More than 1 in 12 UK children do not have a single book of their own. 

A DWP study demonstrates that being read to at the age of 5 is “an important protective factor against poverty at the age of 30”.

Bookbanks works to break the cycle of poverty. 

Bookbanks partners with existing food banks to create enticing pop-up stalls of books on site - free for guests to browse, borrow or keep. The books are donated by organisations such as bookshops, libraries, prizes and publishers; some are also given by individuals, including food bank guests. 

The Bookbanks stalls are staffed by volunteers with professional experience in the book industry, who have a passion for books and widening access to them.

Bookbanks also hosts regular events, including author readings and writing workshops, further transforming food banks into spaces for conversation, inspiration, literacy and community.