Doorstep Library
We are working with the amazing Doorstep Library.
Every time one of our subscribers buys a box, we donate a brand-new book to this charity so that more children have access to amazing stories.
Doorstep Library operates in some of the most disadvantaged areas of London, alongside a diverse range of families from all over the world including refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants, those from a range of socio-economic backgrounds and family set ups. Volunteers share their love of reading with children under the age of 11, with the belief that words have the power to take children places, not just in their imagination but in their lives.
By making reading fun first, they inspire children to experience the joy of stories and books. They empower parents to get involved in their children’s education and are sometimes there to provide extra support, whether sending people in the direction of a local family service, lending an ear, or just being a friendly face.
Where do they do it? Doorstep Library volunteers visit families living in disadvantaged areas of London. They started in 2010 in one borough and are now covering three, with ambitions to expand further across London and beyond. They are currently reading with and lending books to over 500 children on a weekly basis.
We are really excited that together with you our subscribers we will play our part in changing children’s lives through this amazing work.
10-year-old Aria has had a visit from Jocelyn every Thursday afternoon for 3 years. Jocelyn chooses books which reflect Aria’s many interests: acing science tests, dancing on stage or sharing a picture book with her 4-year-old niece Isabella.
I really like Doorstep Library because I’m able to borrow the books that I enjoy.
Sessions can include the whole family; Aria quizzes her Mum on the solar system and her older sister sometimes joins the session to revisit old favourites. When Jocelyn noticed Aria’s flair for storytelling, she encouraged her to join the local youth theatre and was in the audience at her first show.
I rush from work, rush to pack the bag, rush from house to house. But when we do finish, there is always a lovely sense of having done something very special. It gets more rewarding over time. Seeing the children’s progress over the years has been a real joy for me
Save the Children
In early 2020 Little Box of Books worked alongside Save the Children on their #SavewithStories fundraising campaign. The campaign, fronted by some really well known faces, was set up to raise money to support communities all over the world to manage the spread of coronavirus. We gave books off our lists to celebrities Cara Delevingne, Sienna Miller and Micheal Ward who then read them to their huge social media audience to raise much needed funds. We were delighted to be able to support such an incredible campaign and amplify the work of this important children’s charity. Read more about in our blog