A Book Is For Life

17th November 2023

What was your favourite book as a child? The first book you learnt to read, or the book you read over and over again until you learnt to recite it by heart? For many of us, stories have a special place in our hearts.

Yet 1 in 5 children in England (aged 5-8) do not own a book. Plus, the cost of living crisis has meant that books have become a luxury item with thousands of children going without this magical form of escapism and tool for academic success.

At Doorstep Library, we believe that words take you places and stories have the power to change lives. We train dedicated reading volunteers who bring high-quality, diverse books directly to the homes of children from under-served communities, week after week, sharing story times that involve their family as a whole. Through the magic of reading we:

Provide escapism
Build confidence
Develop emotional, social and educational skills that will support the children in their future success for years to come

We know that #ABookIsForLife – not just for Christmas.

“[Doorstep Library] has helped us greatly as a family to get through some very difficult times…I feel that there would be something missing from our life if we didn’t have Doorstep Library to look forward to” – Doorstep Library Parent

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Campaign Overview

The Situation

Reading for enjoyment has more of an impact on a child’s future success than any other factor, including their family’s economic status.

With 1 in 3 parents now buying fewer books for their children due to the cost of living and other financial factors, reading has been determined as a luxury, making it unaffordable for many.

Our services are more in demand than ever before.

Our Solution

Our approach is straightforward, intensive and effective. Doorstep Library is a London-based literacy charity dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading to children from under-resourced areas.

Our fully trained volunteers visit the same families once a week, equipped with books to read and a willingness to support. Whether in-person or online, our unique home-based service enables us to find the most appropriate books for every child we visit and build a relationship with the whole family.

“I would like to express my gratitude to say how grateful I am for Doorstep Library as it really encouraged my children to read books therefore increasing their English grade.”

— Doorstep Library Parent

The Impact We Have

Our 2022-2023 Impact Report highlights just how effective our reading sessions have been in levelling the playing field for families and children in London’s most disadvantaged communities:

93% of parents/carers said Doorstep Library has helped their children to read better
91% of parents/carers said Doorstep Library has encouraged them to spend more time reading with their children
89% of parents/carers found the community services and activities we signposted to be useful and interesting.

Be a part of the change. Donate today to spread the magic of reading and give children the tools they need to succeed.

Will You Help This Christmas?

You can support us in a number of ways this festive season:

Donate today – by donating just £10, you could cover the cost of a book to be shared with a child.
Sign up to volunteer – with projects across London and online, signing up to be a volunteer allows us to expand our reach and give even more children the gift of reading.
Spread the word – by supporting us online and with your network, you can help increase our awareness and opportunities.

A big thanks to Holly Thomas for the beautiful illustrations. Holly is an incredible London-based illustrator who has produced fun and emotive illustrations for charities such as Water Aid, Age UK, Unicef and Mind. The 3 illustrations Holly has created for Doorstep Library, featured above, show the magic that the gift of reading can bring – helping every child to experience the world of imagination.

Donate Today To Spread The Magic Of Reading

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