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.
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.
Bookbanks brings books to food banks.
‘If you haven't got money, but you have a book, the book is knowledge and knowledge is good.’
Yusuf, Bookbanks guest
‘I came for food, and I left with food for the soul.’
Grace, Bookbanks Hammersmith & Fulham
‘This has been so good for me… It’s the first time in a long time I’ve really enjoyed a social situation.’
Pete, Bookbanks Wymondham
Bookbanks changes the story at food banks, through books.
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.
100%
‘This bookbank means that I own a book I wouldn’t have bought otherwise.’
10,000+
books distributed
90%
‘This bookbank has encouraged me to spend more time reading with my children.’
Nadia K Barb, author at a Bookbanks event
‘I had a wonderful afternoon reading from Truth or Dare and chatting to a group of lovely people. There were some insightful questions!’
Arnie McConnell, founder of Wymondham Community Outreach Project foodbank.
‘Bookbanks’ mission has had a transformational effect on our visitors' self-esteem.’
Ed, Bookbanks volunteer
‘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!’
Supporters include:
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