Read it Forward by Mark Thornton
We are sharing a guest blog today celebrating a new partnership that aims to get books into the hands of children.
How to support indie bookshops AND BookTrust this February with Read It Forward!
Bookshop.org, the online bookselling website that supports independent bookshops, has launched its first ever charitable collaboration with BookTrust called Read It Forward.
Launching February 1st, and running for the whole of February, parents, guardians, teachers and everyone buying books for children can feel even better about buying them through Bookshop.org. BookTrust will receive a 10% donation for every children’s book sold and every sale of a book on Bookshop.org supports independent bookshops.
BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity with a history that stretches back over 100 years. Each year they get millions of children reading, especially those from low-income families or vulnerable backgrounds. As a research-led charity, their work is vital to fostering a love of reading and helping grow the book lovers of the future.
Many people know BookTrust through their Bookstart programme, which sees a free book pack given to every baby born in England and Wales. They work with school children until the age of 13 and showcase the very best in children’s literature.
Children’s publishers and authors are also encouraged to take part and support the initiative, and they can do so simply by sharing links to the books they love on Bookshop.org. Not only is it a great way for everyone who champions children’s books to come together and celebrate the breadth and diversity of children’s books in the UK, but they can feel good about supporting the reading culture for years to come.
Lizzie Catford, Director of Children’s Books at BookTrust, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Bookshop.org on the Read it Forward initiative, a wonderful opportunity for readers to make a meaningful impact. This collaboration not only supports independent bookshops, vital pillars of our literary community, but also contributes directly to our mission of fostering a love of reading among children, particularly those facing challenges. At BookTrust, we believe in the transformative power of shared reading, and the funds raised through this initiative will support our vital work across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This wonderful partnership emphasises the collective strength of readers, booksellers, and charities in building a brighter reading future for all children.”
Sarah Halgarth, Manager of independent bookshop Bookmark Spalding, said: “At Bookmark we recognise the importance of early reading, and how children get into reading habits early. We’re excited to be part of Read It Forward, and will be sharing some of our favourite books to readers in February.”
Nicole Vanderbilt, Managing Director of Bookshop.org UK, said: “This February, you can feel even better about buying books online through Bookshop.org. We are incredibly excited to launch a charitable book drive with BookTrust, marking our first collaboration with them, and contributing to their mission to develop a love of reading, in addition to supporting independent booksellers across the UK.”
Find out more at: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/read-it-forward-2024
Written by Mark Thornton, Senior Partnerships Manager, Bookshop.org UK.
