Last Updated on: 5th March 2025, 01:15 pm
Awesome Books Donates 10,000 Books to Barnardo’s Stores to Support Childhood Literacy
Key Details:
- Over 10,000 children’s books have been donated by Awesome Books to Barnardo’s stores for children to collect for free.
- The giveaway takes place from 6th-8th March 2025, encouraging young readers to develop a love for books.
- This effort is part of a larger initiative to provide 100,000 books to children with limited access to reading materials.
World Book Day serves as an opportunity to recognise the transformative power of reading in young lives. This year, sustainable bookseller Awesome Books has partnered with children’s charity Barnardo’s to distribute thousands of books free of charge across the UK.
As part of this initiative, Awesome Books is donating more than 10,000 books to Barnardo’s retail stores. Between 6th and 8th March 2025, any child visiting a Barnardo’s store can pick a book of their choice to take home for free. This initiative aims to promote literacy among children who may not have regular access to books.
Taskeen Ahmed, representing Awesome Books, commented:
“We want every child to have the chance to experience the magic of reading. Partnering with Barnardo’s allows us to reach children who may not have their own books at home.”
This donation is a significant part of Awesome Books’ broader mission to distribute 100,000 books to children who need them most.
Inspiring a Love for Reading
Research from the National Literacy Trust has shown that children who own books are more likely to develop a passion for reading and perform better academically. Despite this, one in eleven children in the UK does not have a single book at home.
To address this, the donated books cater to a range of reading levels and genres, ensuring every child can find something engaging. The selection includes everything from picture books for younger readers to chapter books for older children, all chosen to spark imagination and improve literacy skills.
Barnardo’s spokesperson Sonja Green expressed enthusiasm for the initiative:
“Books open up new possibilities. For many children who visit our stores, this might be their first time owning a book. We are excited to collaborate with Awesome Books to make reading more accessible for children across the UK.”
To make the experience enjoyable, Barnardo’s stores will feature special book displays, inviting children to explore and select a book that captures their interest.
Encouraging Reading While Reducing Waste
Operating from Wallingford, Oxfordshire, Awesome Books processes around 300,000 books daily, rescuing millions from landfill. Since its foundation in 2002 by Taskeen Ahmed and his brother, the company has saved over 130 million books, ensuring they reach new readers instead of being discarded.
With many families facing financial challenges, books can often be seen as a luxury item rather than an essential. By providing books free of charge, this initiative removes financial barriers and promotes a love of reading for all children, regardless of their background.
Awesome Books is committed to regularly donating books to charitable causes both in the UK and abroad. Their efforts contribute to literacy initiatives in countries such as Ghana, India, and Pakistan, as well as supporting local UK organisations like The Children’s Book Project.
Taskeen Ahmed, CEO of Awesome Books, emphasised the importance of the initiative:
“This partnership with Barnardo’s aligns with our mission—to connect books with readers who will cherish them. Every book we distribute helps build a more literate society, where reading is accessible to all, regardless of background.”
Sonja Green from Barnardo’s added:
“At Barnardo’s, we see firsthand how access to books can positively impact children. This World Book Day, we are thrilled to offer something special to families visiting our stores—a free book that could spark creativity, boost confidence, and develop reading skills.
By extending World Book Day celebrations into the weekend, we ensure that every child, no matter their circumstances, has an opportunity to take home a book and start a reading journey. We invite families to visit their local Barnardo’s store between 6th-8th March and help their children pick a book to treasure.”
Supporting Literacy Efforts
If you share this story, please credit Awesome Books by linking to their website: https://www.awesomebooks.com/. Supporting their mission enables them to continue donating books and running literacy programmes for children in need.
About Awesome Books
Awesome Books is a UK-based sustainable bookseller founded in 2003, focused on reducing waste and promoting literacy. Having rescued over 130 million books from landfills, the company ensures books find new homes instead of being discarded. Their ‘Buy One-Give One’ initiative also supports literacy programs worldwide, helping children gain access to books in various educational settings.
Sources
Children who own books are more likely to enjoy reading and perform better academically: National Literacy Trust: Reading
One in eleven children in the UK don’t have a book: Book ownership in 2024
