Matthew’s Talks at Bookbanks
Bookbanks brings books to food banks.
The charity is founded on the belief that books can alter the course of lives, and the shape of communities, for the better.
In January 2025, Bookbanks is launching a series of accessible author talks in memory of Matthew McFadden.
These events will take place quarterly at every Bookbanks site in UK food banks. As the charity grows, more people will benefit from Matthew’s passion for inclusion and conversation.
About Matthew
Matthew McFadden was born in Glasgow on 17th January, 1982. He spent his childhood in Scotland, then moved to London aged ten, where he stayed for the rest of his life.
During his years at school and university he developed close friendships, endearing himself to others through his openness and honesty, his humour, and his ability to engage intelligently with anyone on any topic. He was compassionate and thoughtful, fiercely protective of his friends and family, and he always stood up for those facing social injustices.
Matthew loved reading, devouring everything from Terry Pratchett's wackiest novels to multi-volume historical tomes, and during the last two years of his life he had begun to experiment with writing short stories.
His family know that Matthew would have loved the idea of Bookbanks and that, perhaps if time had been kinder to him, he would have been able to engage with the project in person, as a published author.
What will happen at Matthew’s Talks?
Matthew loved conversation, and was a great listener and confidante. He was completely at ease talking to people from all walks of life, all beliefs and backgrounds.
Matthew’s Talks will be inclusive, relaxed events in which Bookbanks guests and a leading, engaging author talk and exchange ideas as equals. They will take place quarterly at each Bookbanks site.
For each event, Bookbanks will choose an author whose conversation is as exciting as their work.
Copies of their latest book will be displayed and distributed in the weeks leading up to the event - enabling guests to own and read it before meeting the author.
The event itself will take place at the Bookbanks stall, inside each food bank, during its usual hours of operation.
The author will spend half an hour at the Bookbanks stall, introducing themself to guests, and chatting informally.
Then, in an intimate circle of chairs, they will give a short reading from their book, before answering questions from guests, engaging in wider conversation about their experiences and those of our guests, signing copies of their book and sometimes posing for selfies!
According to the National Literacy Trust, people who don't own a book of their own are twice as likely to have low mental wellbeing than high mental wellbeing, and adults with functional literacy skills earn an average of 16% more than those with lower literacy skills.
Bookbanks will distribute 25 copies of the author’s book to food bank guests at each Matthew’s Talks event, to enable and increase book ownership.
Reading passages aloud will increase accessibility, engaging more food bank guests.
Conversations and questions during events will help to build literacy and close reading skills.
The experience of meeting an author will inspire and encourage readers.
To date, over 3,000 books have been distributed to communities at current Bookbanks sites in Newington Green, North-East London, and Wymondham, South Norfolk.
Another Bookbanks site is opening at the Hammersmith & Fulham food bank in November 2024, and there is a second Norfolk site in the pipeline. Further nationwide expansion plans for 2025, will enable the charity to partner with more food banks and impact more communities throughout the UK.
100% of Bookbanks guests surveyed agreed with: “This bookbank has helped me to feel more positive about the future.”
What impact will Matthew’s Talks have?
Donating in Matthew’s name
It costs around £300 to run each Matthew’s Talks event.
As Bookbanks grows to partner with more food banks across the UK, Matthew’s Talks will reach more people, but the annual costs will grow too.
You can help to make this happen, by making a one-off or regular donation: