Awesome Books Donates 10,000 Books to Barnardo’s Stores to Promote Reading
Key Details:
- Over 10,000 children’s books donated by Awesome Books will be available at Barnardo’s stores for free
- Children can collect a book between 6th-8th March to encourage literacy and a love for reading
- The initiative is part of a broader campaign to distribute 100,000 books to children with limited reading access
World Book Day is a time to celebrate reading and its impact on children’s lives. This year, sustainable bookseller Awesome Books has teamed up with children’s charity Barnardo’s to distribute thousands of free books across the UK.
Through this initiative, Awesome Books is providing more than 10,000 books to Barnardo’s retail stores. From 6th to 8th March 2025, children visiting any Barnardo’s store can choose a book to take home at no cost. This campaign is designed to inspire reading, especially among children who may not have easy access to books.
Taskeen Ahmed from Awesome Books stated: “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 initiative is a crucial step in Awesome Books’ ongoing mission to distribute 100,000 books to children who need them most.
Encouraging a Reading Culture
Studies by the National Literacy Trust reveal that children who own books are more likely to develop a passion for reading and perform better academically. However, statistics show that one in eleven children in the UK does not have a book at home.
The books available for this giveaway cover various reading levels and genres, ensuring that children of different ages can find something engaging. From picture books for young readers to more advanced chapter books, the selection is curated to capture children’s imagination and support their literacy development.
Barnardo’s spokesperson Sonja Green shared: “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 create an enjoyable experience, Barnardo’s stores will set up special book displays for the event, encouraging children to browse and select a book that interests them.
Promoting Literacy While Reducing Waste
Awesome Books, based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, handles approximately 300,000 books daily, preventing millions from ending up in landfills. Founded in 2002 by Taskeen Ahmed and his brother, the company has saved over 130 million books by redistributing them to new readers.
At a time when many families face financial pressures, books are often viewed as non-essential. This initiative removes that barrier by providing children with free books and fostering a love of reading, regardless of their economic background.
Awesome Books regularly donates books to various charities, both in the UK and internationally. Their efforts support literacy projects in places such as Ghana, India, and Pakistan, along with local organizations like The Children’s Book Project.
Taskeen Ahmed, CEO of Awesome Books, added:
“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 concluded:
“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.”
If you use this story, please credit Awesome Books by linking to their website: (https://www.awesomebooks.com/). Supporting their work allows them to continue running literacy initiatives and donating books to 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
