Doorstep Library

We are happy to support the projects of Doorstep Library, a brilliant charity which works to introduce children to the pleasure of reading.

They recruit and train volunteers to visit the most disadvantaged areas of London, and organize support, resources and events to promote the pleasure of reading.

Give a Book have provided books for many Doorstep events, and continue to support them as they expand the reach of home libraries and spread the joy of reading. The feedback from Doorstep Library’s work over the past year has been very encouraging. Delivered by 80 volunteers, their projects benefited 400 children and 180 families, lending out 3,900 books around London. One-to-one attention from the volunteers helps children prepare for nursery, overcome language barriers, and both children and parents begin to consider books and reading for pleasure a part of home life.

Last year, 78% of parents engaged in the reading sessions, and 87% of children picked their own books.

Some of the feedback for Doorstep Libraries:

“A mum has been keeping record of all the books we have lent them since we started visiting two years ago, and has calculated 307 in total!” Volunteer, Dec 16

“Since you have been giving us books, Mum now buys us some from the book fair too.” Farah, aged 7

“Areej’s mother told us that because her reading is now so good she is being moved up to year 1 for reading lessons!”
Liz, volunteer

“I’m amazed he came out to read with you. It took me ten minutes earlier to persuade him to read his school book for only five minutes; he really didn’t want to do it. You come along and he’s there straight away. I don’t know what you’re doing, but it works!”
Dad of 7 year old boy

To find out more about Doorstep Library, have a look at their website here.