Bookbanks brings books to food banks.
We work closely with food banks, using books and trained book professionals to create spaces for conversation, inspiration and community.
‘If you haven't got money, but you have a book, the book is knowledge and knowledge is good.’
Yusuf, Bookbanks guest
‘Books, for me, have been a signpost to think for myself, and give me the impunity to imagine and to face my inner anger and fear. But they also give me a hope, and an understanding that I’m not alone.’
David, Bookbanks guest
‘These books are so uplifting. They've helped me a lot.’
Brianna, Bookbanks guest
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 - 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.
Why Bookbanks?
100%
Our Impact
‘This bookbank means that I own a book I wouldn’t have bought otherwise.’
3,000+
books distributed
90%
‘This bookbank has encouraged me to spend more time reading with my children.’
‘Bookbanks’ mission has had a transformational effect on our visitors' self-esteem.’
Arnie McConnell, founder of Wymondham Community Outreach Project foodbank.
‘Even when I’m really busy and worry I can’t fit my shift in, I make time for it and am so glad to be there. Afterwards, I come out buzzing!’
Ed, Bookbanks volunteer
‘I had a wonderful afternoon reading from Truth or Dare and chatting to a group of lovely people. There were some insightful questions!’
Nadia K Barb, author at a Bookbanks event
Our Aims
We are committed to getting more books into the hands of people who would otherwise struggle to access them.
In 2025, we plan to open 4-6 more Bookbanks sites in food banks across London, Norfolk and other communities of high need in the UK to run alongside the 4 we will have running by the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, to deliver our mission to build strong bridges between each Bookbanks site and the wider books community, we will continue to develop our programme of author talks, writing workshops and collaboration with local libraries.
How you can help
Give
We would welcome any financial donations to Bookbanks, to help us meet our aims. These might be one-off or regular; even a small donation has a big impact on this grassroots charity. Our grassroots structure means you’re making a real and immediate difference, bringing books to food banks to build opportunity and inspiration among individuals, strengthen communities and create fairer futures.
Books
Our sites are currently well-stocked with books, and we have limited on-site storage, so we regret we aren’t always able to accept book donations. If you work for an organisation that is interested in making regular book donations, please contact us here.
Volunteer
Currently, all our Bookbanks sites are fully staffed, but we will need more volunteers who have experience working with books when we open new sites in Spring 2025. If you think this could be you, please sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media, where we will be publicising these opportunities when they arise.
