Better World Books launches UK site

US online bookseller and literacy fundraiser Better World Books has launched a UK e-commerce site.

The retailer collects and sells books to generate funds for literacy causes, with the UK site (www.betterworldbooks.com) offering over a million new and used titles, as well as free delivery. A portion of revenues goes to the supplier, as well as to one of its affiliated non-profit literacy partners.

David Murphy, c.e.o., said: "Better World Books has experienced tremendous growth since it first launched in the US. Over the years we've gained a loyal international following thanks to low-cost shipping and a mission that impacts literacy rates worldwide. We've seen particular interest in the UK since establishing operations in 2008, and now we're investing in a website customised for our UK partners and customers."

Better World Books collects its used titles from partner libraries and campuses, as well as independently-organised book drives.

Its UK operation was set up in October 2008, and is based at its Dunfermline distribution centre. Its non-profit partners in the UK include the National Literacy Trust, READ International, Room to Read, and the National Adult Literacy Agency. Since its opening, the company's UK arm has raised over £100,000 for local libraries and global literacy, re-using or recycling over 650,000 books.