Bookbanks

Bookbanks brings books to food banks.

We work closely with food banks, using books and trained book professionals to create spaces for conversation, inspiration, literacy and community.

"I came for food, and I left with food for the soul." Grace, Bookbanks Hammersmith and Fulham.

Over 3 % of UK individuals (2.3 million people) are using food banks. 

1 in 10 UK children do not have a single book of their own. 

A DWP study demonstrates that being read to at the age of 5 is a significant protective factor against poverty at the age of 30.

Since launching in June 2024, Bookbanks now partners with six food banks in the UK: three in London, two in Norfolk and one in Manchester. 

Bookbanks creates enticing pop-up stalls of free books at food banks. From baby books to poetry, via cookbooks and classics, some are donated by bookshops, prizes and publishers, others are given by individuals, including food bank guests. New, or in good condition, all are books that our guests can enjoy browsing and be proud to own. Bookbanks stalls are open at our partner food banks every week, looked after by trained Bookbanks volunteers, with a background in books and a passion for widening access to them.

Bookbanks also hosts regular on-site Matthew’s Talks author events and workshops, as well as 'meet your librarian' visits, further helping to change the story at food banks.

The charity has given out over 7,000 books to people accessing food banks.

We hope you enjoy these book recommendations, all of which are relevant to the charity's work.

By buying books through the Bookbanks Bookshop.org page, you'll be supporting independent bookshops, while also helping Bookbanks put more books into the hands of people accessing food banks. Thank you.