Doorstep Library volunteers visit some of the most disadvantaged areas in London in a hope to bring reading for pleasure into the homes of children where it may not be a priority.
Give a Book has worked with Doorstep Library, supporting the work of the amazing volunteers since 2014. They currently have over 130 volunteers across projects in Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster, and Lambeth, visiting over 600 children weekly with plans to continue expanding. You can read our chat with one of their volunteers, author and TV presenter Janet Ellis, here.
Give a Book also send books for their Read in the Park events each summer, and supported their Easter events in 2018 and 2019.
“We’re really excited to have launched so many new projects and couldn’t do it without the ongoing support of organisations like yourselves!” Doorstep Library
Testimonials
“Our book stall was very popular and often busy with children and parents exploring what they could find to read! Over 70 children took up the offer of a free book from our give away stall we also provided a quiet reading haven outside, away from the hustle and bustle of the event, where the children were able to read their new books, and share stories with their parents and Doorstep Library volunteers.”
“We received all of those lovely books with relish yesterday! We can’t thank you enough, they are just perfect, And the perfect amount to ensure we won’t run out this summer! We just had our first event which was more of a success than we imagined! We gave out around 100 free books…. It’s so satisfying to see children’s excitement when they realise they can pick one to KEEP! Thank you so much again for your constant support.”
“On Wednesday 3rd August we attended the Play Day in Hammersmith Park. It was a huge success! We joined many different organisations offering messy play, gardening, crafts, outdoor play activities and more – and we provided an enchanting storyteller named Akuba, bringing her Ghanaian-style Anansi Stories which captivated all ages; a reading corner for children and parents to have some quiet time; and of course – free books! We gave away 83 in total, and the children were delighted. We often spotted them elsewhere in the park engrossed in their choice! We gave away a similar number at last week’ s event in Normand Park, where we even managed to intercept groups of boys playing football to give them a free book token – and it wasn’t long before they were eagerly queuing up to rummage in the boxes!”
“With so many enticing activities to choose from, sometimes sitting and reading is not a top priority at events like these. But giving away a free book to every child, that they themselves have chosen, is a wonderful and memorable take-home of the day. And what better way to get children reading over the long summer holiday than a book of their very own! “
Thank you so much Give A Book, for helping to spread the magic of reading.