Bookbanks brings books to food banks.

We work closely with food banks, using books and trained book professionals to create spaces for conversation, inspiration, literacy 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

‘I came for food, and I left with food for the soul.’

Grace, Bookbanks guest

View fullsize Bookbanks doesn’t just encourage reading. A growing number of our guests - like Douglas and Bill - are being inspired by our books, writing workshops and author talks to put pen to paper themselves. . This wonderful poem - written by Bill, one
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View fullsize We’re on a roll! On Friday, the brilliant @itshelenwhitaker gave our second Matthew’s Talk event, this time inside the Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank in West London. . Thanks to @hodderbooks, 25 free copies of her novel Single in the S
View fullsize What a wonderful day! On Tuesday morning, @andrewohaganauthor gave the first of our new Matthew’s Talks - author events inside our partnering food banks. . In front of an audience of over 20 food bank guests, he read from his brilliant novel Ca
View fullsize We could not be prouder or happier to introduce the new Chair of the Bookbanks board… Carla Priddon! . Carla is a strategic leader with 20+ years in the charity sector, driving growth, impact, and inclusion. As CEO of a national charity with 2
View fullsize World Book Day is nearly upon us, so perhaps it is no surprise that children’s books were a particular hit at the Bookbank sites this week! . At Newington Green, a mother and son found four books to take home and treasure - two about Minecraft,
View fullsize Picking up a book is a powerful act, in all sorts of ways. . In 2009, a University of Sussex study found that reading - even in a short burst - is more soothing than either taking a walk or listening to music. . The study’s author explained tha
View fullsize Bookbanks is thrilled to announce that we are expanding into a new site and a whole new city. Manchester here we come! . From May, we will have a weekly presence inside the @mcrfoodbank Ardwick site. . Ben Warner, Assistant Operations Manager, Manche

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

1 in 10 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 a significant protective factor against poverty at the age of 30.

Bookbanks works to break the cycle of poverty. 

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.

Bookbanks also hosts regular on-site Matthew’s Talks events, such as author readings, writing workshops, and librarian visits, further helping to transform 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.’

5,000+

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

Supporters include:
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