UK Reads and AwesomeBooks team up to donate 30,000 books to disadvantaged children

Children’s literacy charity UK Reads has partnered with circular economy bookseller AwesomeBooks to provide more than 30,000 free books to schools in disadvantaged communities to tackle the literacy gap. 

Schools in the UK can request free books from UK Reads for children without access to their own books. They will be supplied by AwesomeBooks.  

AwesomeBooks collects books destined for landfill and repurposes high-quality copies by reselling them or donating them to improve access to books and promote literacy. 

Annie Ashford-Barnden, programme director for UK Reads, said: “Since UK Reads launched in November 2020, we have given over 13,000 books to children across the UK. This year, we want to distribute 30,000 books to help bridge the widening literacy gap between disadvantaged children and their peers, which has been exacerbated by Covid-19.” 

Simon Mackay, head of books at AwesomeBooks, added: “Our team is committed to collaborating with schools, communities and partners around the world to improve access to books and to give people the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. Ensuring that no book ever goes to waste and every single book makes an impact, we are thrilled to be working with UK Reads, delivering pre-loved books into the hands of children and communities most impacted by the pandemic.” 

Sarah Turner, aka The Unmumsy Mum and a UK Reads ambassador, said she was proud to be involved. “As a mum to three boys who love stories, I find it hard to imagine a home without books, yet sadly that is the reality for many children in the UK.” 

To request books for your pupils, visit www.ukreads.org/book-drop