TWO Worcestershire based bookshop owners have teamed up to launch a book gifting initiative for local children and their families.
Friends, Becky Henman and Stacey Scott, both 41, have previously hidden around 100 books in areas including Rubery, Rednal, Longbridge and Cofton as part of their Easter holiday Look for a Book project.
The scheme involved hiding books in small packs for children and families to find, all with the aim of combating the National Literacy Trust statistic which revealed almost one in five children in the UK, between the ages of five and eight, do not own a book of their own.
Stacey, from Rednal, and Becky, from Cofton, who have children themselves, met during the Covid-19 pandemic through their work as online bookstore owners and partners of children’s book publisher – Usborne Books.
For both of them, the statistic which estimates over 1 million children are without a book of their own is ‘heartbreaking’ and something they are fighting to change together.
Becky said: “We’ve become good friends. It’s nice to buddy up and do something for the community together.”
“Hopefully we’re reaching some of these children who don’t have access,” added Stacey.
Now with their new project, they can see the benefit they are having on the community by encouraging those who find books to share it with them on their Facebook page – Look for a Book.
Becky said: “It was so exciting when we started getting the pictures through.”
“It’s great to see the difference the books are having and how they are being used. It’s amazing,” added Stacey.
The previous Easter giveaway was funded entirely by Becky and Stacey. The pair are now planning their next Look for a Book project and are calling on local businesses to help fund the purchase of books ahead of a May half-term giveaway.
Alongside the Look for a Book project, through their partnership with Usborne Books, Becky and Stacey travel to local schools, play groups, community groups and more to share books with youngsters and even help fundraise through book fairs to provide reading material for hospitals and schools.
Usborne Books pledge to boost the value of book sales at partnered book fairs by 60 per cent. Meaning the publisher will provide more free books every time funds are raised.
Those businesses who donate will have their company showcased on each book pack they’ve helped to fund.
Contact [email protected] to enquire about helping the fundraiser.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/933137888460648 for more information on Look for a Book.
