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Free Reading Support in London

Are you looking for free reading support in London? We provide reading services, both in-person and online, to children aged 0-11.

Find out if we visit your area
boy-reading-on-doorstep

About our free reading service

Many families search for a ‘reading tutor’ to help their child. At Doorstep Library, we’re don’t provide tuition. Instead, our reading volunteers will bring the joy of stories and books right to your doorstep.

When and how often will volunteers visit?

Two of our volunteers, who are trained and vetted, will visit your family once a week during term time for approximately 20 minutes to read with your child(ren). You’ll be visited on a set day on either a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday after school.

Download the home reading sessions timetable

Download the online reading sessions timetable

The volunteers will bring a backpack filled with a wide range of books and two stools for your child(ren) to sit on during the session. We also encourage parents/carers to get involved in the reading sessions, and you are free to borrow books to continue their reading journey outside of visits.

We offer our services for up to a year, upon which your child(ren) will graduate and receive a certificate, a book of their choice and bookmark.

Our ethos

We believe every child has a keen reader within them, which Doorstep Library aims to encourage by exploring children’s interests and passions through the exciting world of books.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to the type of books a child connects with, which is why our approach is very much child-led and focuses on empowering young readers to try different types of books and find out what ignites their interest. Once that happens, the child is already halfway there on their reading journey.

Find out if we visit your area

Where do we visit?

We currently offer home visits to families living in specific areas of Westminster, Camden, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Lambeth. However, if you live outside those areas, or indeed outside those boroughs, we may be able to offer you our online reading service instead.

We are continuing to grow and expand into new areas so if we can’t visit you now – we might be able to soon. Please check back from time to time.

Find out if we visit your area

If you have a child aged 0-11 and would like to find out if Doorstep Library can visit you, or if you would like to enquire on behalf of someone else, please fill in our application form.

Benefits for children

Our research shows that our work can have a direct influence on academic performance, concentration, social integration, behaviour, confidence, self-esteem and the happiness of children.

For older children, many of these benefits come from the one-to-one time spent with our volunteers, a chance to discuss books and share ideas.

For very young children, the routine of story-time helps prepare them for nursery or school.

For families, children and parents begin to consider books and reading for pleasure part of home life.

Benefits for parents

Through Doorstep Library home visits, parents gain support and encouragement to take an active role in their children’s education.

Parents can benefit from:

  • Improved confidence
  • Better child-parent relationships
  • Improved access to community services
  • Reduced stress.

Parents’ resources

Doorstep Library brings books into families’ lives because we know that reading at home is just as important as reading at school. Reading with your child can feel daunting, especially if, like many people, you’re not confident with phonics! But don’t worry – you don’t need to be a teacher to get the most out of reading with your child. The tips and resources are all focused on making reading at home together as fun and enjoyable as possible.

Reading together Early Years, 0-5 year olds Other resources