Help us change the story at food banks, through books.
Why Bookbanks?
Books can take readers on many extraordinary journeys. One could be a path to a better future.
Reading for pleasure has been shown to be “the single most important indicator of a child's future success” and 74% of people who read say it has a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
Yet 1 in 8 UK children doesn’t own a single book and latest data shows “the lowest levels of reading enjoyment and daily reading in a generation”, prompting the government to declare 2026 a National Year of Reading.
At the same time, food poverty in the UK is on the rise. 2.8 million people (over 4% of individuals and 8% of children) are using the country’s 3,000 food banks.
“I came for food and I left with food for the soul.”
Grace, Bookbanks Hammersmith & Fulham
How Bookbanks works
Bookbanks partners with food banks to create enticing pop-up stalls of free books onsite.From baby books to poetry, via cookbooks and classics, some are donated by bookshops, prizes and publishers. Others are given by individuals, including food bank guests. New, or in good condition, all are books that our guests can enjoy browsing and be proud to own.
Stalls are open every week, looked after by trained volunteers with a background in books. Bookbanks volunteers include librarians, authors, publishers and more; they all have a passion for books and widening access to them.
Since launching in June 2024, Bookbanks has grown to partner with 6 food banks in London, the North West & East Anglia, with 3 more set to open in Spring 2026.
Its 65 trained volunteers provide 1,200 hours of conversation time with food bank guests each year, and give out, on average, 1,000 books every month, totalling over 15,000. Half of these are children’s books.
Bookbanks has also hosted several Matthew’s Talks author events in partner food banks, featuring Andrew O’Hagan, Francesca Segal, and Anne Sebba among others, as well as writing workshops and regular “meet your librarian” sessions.
“I take books home to read with my son. It’s the best time; we are quiet together … If you haven’t got money, but you have a book, the book is knowledge and knowledge is good.” Yusuf, Bookbanks Dalston
Bookbanks in Numbers
- 6 weekly stalls at partnering food banks in London, Manchester & Norfolk.
- 65 trained volunteers.
- 15,000 books distributed (1,000 monthly)
- 14 author events hosted in partnering food banks, with more scheduled quarterly.
- bimonthly ‘meet your librarian’ visits
- 10 publishers giving regular book donations
- 1,200 hours of conversation time between food bank guests & trained volunteers annually.
“Bookbanks’ mission has had a transformational effect on our visitors’ self-esteem.”
Arnie McConnell, Wymondham Community Outreach Project food bank founder
Why we need your support
Bookbanks wants to reach every food bank.
First, in the next 3-5 years, we plan to partner with 30, across 6 UK regional hubs. This will increase the number of books we give out from 1,000 to 5,000 each month, and give the charity a presence in 1% of the country’s food banks.
In Spring 2026, Bookbanks is beginning this growth, opening in three new locations: Lewisham, Salford and Cambridge.
Together, we can change the story for thousands of families. Will you help us bring books to more people accessing food banks across the country?
“Bookbanks is set to become a really important part of our lives as readers, writers, neighbours, and citizens.”
Andrew O’Hagan, writer & Bookbanks ambassador
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