Doorstep Library’s founding CEO reflects on 15 years of bringing books and reading into the homes of children who need it most—and what comes next.
Fifteen years ago, a simple, powerful idea took shape: to bring the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who might otherwise miss out. Alongside our founding Chair, Agnes Paroissien, and a small group of passionate volunteers, I helped launch Doorstep Library with the belief that stories could open doors—for confidence, connection, curiosity, and opportunity.
The Beginning: Why We Started
Doorstep Library was born from the realisation that too many children were leaving primary school without the reading confidence they needed. Research made it clear: reading for pleasure at home is one of the biggest predictors of future success. But many families face barriers—limited access to books, language challenges, or parents who don’t feel confident reading aloud.
In 2010, we launched in Fulham with one in-person project and four volunteers. We were based in a hut where the rain came through the ceiling lights and we were worried the infestation of ants would eat through all the books! At that time I was the only employee, busy getting the charity set up whilst also leading the volunteers in the visits each week. Even back then we had our little plastic stools and our rucksacks full of carefully chosen books. The highlight of my week would be hearing the children running around to get their books ready before opening the door to us, something our volunteers still witness on a weekly basis. The scale was small, but the potential was huge.
Milestones and Impact
Fifteen years on, that seed has grown into a charity rooted in five London boroughs, with strong community partnerships and a model that families trust. We’ve worked with over 2,200 children, lent out more than 100,000 books, and built enduring relationships with families who tell us that reading has become a cherished part of their home life.
The pandemic tested us deeply, forcing us to rethink what “coming to the doorstep” meant. From this challenge, the Online Reading Corner was born—an innovation that still thrives today, offering families flexibility and continuity. We’ve also navigated external pressures such as the cost-of-living crisis, widening educational inequalities, and policy changes like the two-child benefit cap. Growing demand continues to outpace resources and funding pressures remain a constant reality for community-based services like ours. Through all of it, our focus has remained the same: putting the joy of reading at the heart of family life.
Lessons Learned
Fifteen years have taught us several powerful lessons:
- The home is transformative. Entering homes builds trust and makes reading part of daily life, not an occasional task.
- Pleasure powers progress. A child who enjoys reading will keep reading. Joy is more sustainable than pressure.
- Families are essential partners. Empowered parents and carers help embed reading long after volunteers leave.
- Context shapes opportunity. Many families face language barriers or limited access to books; tailored support matters.
- Thoughtful scaling protects quality. Growth must be matched with strong safeguarding, volunteer training, and consistency.
- Representation matters. When children see themselves—and the wider world—in books, possibilities expand.
Looking Ahead: The Next 5–10 Years
As we honour our first fifteen years, we’re also looking forward with ambition and clarity. The educational attainment gap—the very issue we set out to address—is now at its widest in a decade. The need for home-based reading support has never been greater.
Here’s where we’re heading next:
- Expanding our reach into more London boroughs, connecting with more families who can benefit from our model.
- Strengthening digital and hybrid approaches, ensuring families can access reading support in-person or online.
- Championing inclusive, diverse books, so every child can see themselves—and new possibilities—reflected on the page.
- Deepening our impact measurement, using data and stories together to understand and demonstrate long-term change.
- Advocating nationally for home-based reading as a vital part of literacy development.
A Word of Thanks
This journey has only been possible because of the incredible people who have carried it forward. Our volunteers, with their backpacks full of books, their little stools, and their unwavering smiles, have brought the magic of reading to life on countless doorsteps. Our families have opened their homes and hearts, trusting us with their children’s learning journeys. Our funders and supporters have stood beside us, believing in our mission and giving us the means to make it real. Our dedicated team and trustees, past and present, have kept the wheels turning through every challenge. And, of course, the authors and books that have sparked imaginations and started conversations in thousands of living rooms—reminding us that stories truly have the power to change lives.
Closing Thoughts
With 2026 declared the National Year of Reading, this moment feels especially significant. After fifteen years, we are more certain than ever: words take you places. A story shared on a sofa or a doorstep can inspire confidence, curiosity, belonging, and hope. It strengthens families. It builds communities.
Every time a child says, “That looks like me!”, every “one more chapter”, every quiet question asked by a previously shy reader—those moments remind us why we began.
Here’s to the next fifteen years of reading, discovering, and growing together. If you’d like to volunteer or donate, we warmly welcome you to join us.
With gratitude,
Katie
Founding CEO, Doorstep Library
