Bookbanks brings books to food banks.

Books can take readers on many extraordinary journeys. One could be a path to a better future.

Inside our 9 partner food banks, we create weekly pop-up stalls of free - often new - books. We aim to be in 30 food banks, nationwide, in the next 3-5 years.

The Need

The national reading crisis correlates with poverty. Latest data shows “the lowest levels of reading enjoyment and daily reading in a generation”. 1 in 8 UK children doesn’t own a single book and, for children receiving Free School Meals, that number worsens to 1 in 6.

The stigma of using a food bank can impact negatively on mental health. There is a record 2.8 million people (over 4% of individuals and 8% of children) using the country’s 3,000 food banks. Studies show the majority of food bank users suffer stigma, fear and embarrassment, alongside hunger and poverty.

Books help break poverty cycles and also improve well-being. Reading for pleasure is “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 well-being.

Helping to change the story at food banks …

We give out books. 10 trained and local volunteers, with a background in books and a passion for widening access to them, look after each Bookbanks location on rotation every week, helping people find books to suit their interests. We give out 1,000+ books /month, and aim to increase this to 5,000 /month.

We provide conversation. We train our volunteers to use books (as well as printed literacy activities, like word searches and crosswords) to spark conversations with guests, helping food banks in their efforts to engage with guests’ inner lives, as well as their immediate physical needs. We provide over 200 hours of conversation time each year at every Bookbanks location.

We host events. Literary events, including author readings and writing workshops (15 and counting), alongside regular visits from local librarians, further transform partner food banks into places to exchange ideas and inspiration. Star speakers have included Andrew O’Hagan, Anne Sebba, D.J Taylor and Francesca Segal.

… and beyond!

“I take books home to read with my son. It’s the best time.” 16,000+ books have gone into low-income homes.50% are children’s books.

“I’m writing this poem for my daughter. It tells her how much she means to me.” Boosted literacy, self-expression and engagement with books.

“It’s the first time in a long time I’ve really enjoyed a social situation.” Improved well-being and confidence for everyone involved.

“I've seen him before here, but I didn't realise he's a writer.” Better-connected local communities.

Together, we can change the story for thousands of families. Will you help us bring books to more food banks across the country?

‘If you haven't got money, but you have a book, the book is knowledge and knowledge is good.’

Yusuf, Bookbanks Dalston

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

Grace, Bookbanks Hammersmith & Fulham

‘I’ve become my family’s local library. I’d rather miss my bus and get to talk to you.’

Mark, Bookbanks Norwich

100%

‘This bookbank means that I own a book I wouldn’t have bought otherwise.’

16,000+

books distributed

90%

‘This bookbank has encouraged me to spend more time reading with my children.’

Andrew O’Hagan, author & Bookbanks ambassador’

‘I do live book events every other day and I love them. But my Bookbanks experience was truly magical. It reminds me what writing and social engagement is all about.’

Gabriela Garbutt, Client Support Coordinator Hammersmith & Fulham food bank

‘Every week we see how the presence of Bookbanks helps to build hope and resilience in food bank clients … and meets their individual needs and aspirations.”

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: