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The Doorstep Library delivery team has had a few changes over recent months, including the introduction of Lucy and Monica. With our reading projects sitting at the heart of Doorstep Library, having an experienced and engaging delivery team is key....
When it comes to encouraging children to read more books, there are a number of strategies and practices that parents and guardians may adopt. From visiting the local library, to setting time aside to read every day, and even using...
London Challenge Poverty Week (16th-20th October 2023) is an annual event that sheds light on this issue, encouraging collective action to address poverty and its various dimensions in one of the world’s most bustling cities. What Does Poverty In...
Global Intergenerational Week takes place from Monday 24th April – Sunday 30th April 2023. Now in its fourth year, the week aims to get as many people as possible involved in the intergenerational conversation.
For Children’s Mental Health Week this year’s theme is ‘Let’s Connect’. The theme is all about making meaningful connections – from family and friends to the wider community at large. Feeling connected to others and feeling supported is vital in...
This Children’s Mental Health Week Doorstep Library has put together a list of our 10 top picks for discussing mental health topics with your little ones. Children’s books can help to address many challenges, from emotional to learning challenges. Books...
Here at Doorstep Library, we know that books are a great way of helping us talk about things. It can be really helpful for children to read stories which touch on difficult topics, helping them to work through their feelings. For...
Volunteer to read with children this New Year. As the new year begins, you have perhaps made a resolution to give back to your community. Or perhaps you thought you would like to make a difference in someone else’s life....
It’s Trustee’s Week, a chance to highlight the unsung heroes of the charity sector. Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy and that its work and goals are delivering on its mission. They are the ‘guardians of purpose’ for...
As we celebrate Black History Month, we wanted to focus on the power in the diversity of children’s literature and what this means for the children we visit. We are often asked by the children to bring books showcasing important...
Gifting and lending books “A book just for me!” Safiya squealed with joy when she saw a shiny new book with a rabbit and a bear on the front cover. She has just opened a package from Doorstep Library, one...
Written by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros I wrote The Suitcase a few years ago when the issue of migration, immigration, refugees, boat-blocking and wall-building were very much the topics of the day. They still are of course, and that probably isn’t going...
This Mental Health Awareness Week the Doorstep Library team are sharing their favourite comfort books. Studies have shown that reading as little as six minutes per day can improve your quality of sleep, reduce stress and sharpen the mind. As...
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we would like to discuss how volunteering promotes positive mental health. The theme this year is ‘loneliness’. The week aims to raise awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health...
It’s Global Intergenerational Week a campaign dedicated to connecting everyone who is passionate about everything intergenerational. Now in its third year, the week looks to inspire individuals, groups, organisations, local/national government, and NGOs to fully embrace intergenerational practice, connecting people...
To celebrate this International Children’s Book Day we’ve put together a list of our current top five book suggestions. If you’re looking for some inspiration or want to try a new book with your little one, we’re sure you will...
When conflict and war are featured in the news on a daily basis, it is unsettling for everyone, but particularly so for children. Young people often react with fear and confusion as they try to make sense of what is...
At Doorstep Library, we are firm believers that the impact of reading on children’s mental health goes well beyond the development of strong literacy skills. Over the last ten years of delivering our home reading projects, we have had the precious...
This Children’s Mental Health Week we’ve put together a list of six book suggestions that cover an array of different topics from dealing with anxiety to issues with OCD. The books are suitable for children ranging from 0 – 10...
Did you know that National Storytelling Week starts on January 29th? For a whole week, until February 5th, schools and other organisations will be giving children and adults the chance to share and tell stories. National Storytelling Week gives us...
With the return to reading on the doorstep after a year-long hiatus during which our volunteers were only able to do book swaps, we received a generous donation from OVO Foundation, who find meaningful and impactful organisations and projects to...
Doorstep Library is delighted to once again have been chosen as one of Chiswick Book Festival’s charity partners. Having operated in Hammersmith and Fulham for over 10 years, Chiswick Book Festival has been one of our greatest and longest-standing supporters...
Literacy is a fundamental human right. Each and every day we all enjoy the many benefits of literacy. From the moment we wake up and look at the clock, check the news on our phones, follow the signs at the...
A decade of Doorstep Library – we look back at our journey with words over the last ten years. Katie Bareham, Doorstep Library CEO In 2008 we launched our first pilot project in Hammersmith and Fulham. The project was coordinated...
Doorstep Library is now in Camden! As we reached for the doorknocker on our first doorstep, an ominous rumbling sounded in the skies over Camden. A minute later, the heavens opened, and hail hammered down over our brand new Somers...
Volunteer to read with children – join our growing team today. At Doorstep Library, we believe in the power of words to take children places, not just in their imagination, but in their lives. Whether in person, online or in...
We are incredibly grateful to Joanna Beckitt for remembering Doorstep Library with a legacy gift. The success of our programmes relies on the dedication that our volunteers give to us and the families we work with. Without our volunteers, we...
By Katie Bareham, Doorstep Library Director We must act now to close the widening educational attainment gap between rich and poorer children. UNESCO states that: “the biggest single indicator of whether a child is going to thrive at school and...
Doorstep Library’s weekly e-visits were launched back in April as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary suspension of our projects. We at Doorstep Library want to do everything we can to continue to support families in discovering...
The therapy of reading – how to read during lockdown. This week we want to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. We know that so many people are finding the long period of isolation difficult and that this may give rise...
Doorstep Library writes for Give a Book, published 09.04.20 Working together to bring the magic of reading to children, Give a Book have worked with Doorstep Library for over 6 years, supporting their volunteers who bring reading and the pleasure...
#NeverMoreNeeded – recruiting volunteers now. Doorstep Library volunteers bring more than just books into the homes of families. They bring a listening ear and a sense of enthusiasm that you simply couldn’t find anywhere else. With schools currently closed and...
Let words take you places Stay at home with Doorstep Library and let words take you places. The government has advised that we all need to stay at home for the foreseeable future, but many of us are already starting...
Keeping your children safe online can be difficult. The kids are home from school and you’re all confined to the house. What a nightmare! Until the schools are open again, your child will likely be spending a lot of time...
By Paul Fox, Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer We have more in common “I used to think of Monday’s as my payback day but now I look forward to it as one of the best days of the week.” My new...
By Daisy Church, Assistant Producer of Media Trust Volunteer Films Doorstep Library’s journey to the Charity Film Awards is well and truly underway. Their volunteer film, made as part of Media Trust’s #VolunteerFilms project, is officially through to the Charity...
You can never start reading too early. At Doorstep Library, we are firm believers that you are never too young to enjoy a book. That’s why our home reading sessions actively involve all members of the family. Our youngest participant...
By Emma Motherwell, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager Playing with your baby is good for their brain development. For many parents and carers, singing and playing with their baby is just about enjoying the time with their little one. However, these...
Doorstep Library believes that greater diversity in children’s books is needed. Here at Doorstep Library equality, diversity and inclusivity are close to our heart. The families we visit embody these values, coming from a wonderful range of countries across the...
Doorstep Library are proud to launch our brand new volunteer film #WordsTakeYouPlaces, hot off the digital press! The film, which has been created for us by Director Michaela Lowe, aims to highlight the joy that being part of Doorstep Library...
