Christmas gift of reading give to hundreds of Peterborough children

Thanks to donations from local residents and businesses the campaign has received hundreds of brand new books to offer the one in 11 children in Peterborough who do not have a book of their own at home.

Peterborough Reads, a campaign delivered by the National Literacy Trust and Peterborough City Council, launched the book gifting scheme at the end of last month to address local literacy problems and spread some festive cheer.

Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that Peterborough is home to some of the most significant literacy problems in the country with six wards in the top decile for literacy vulnerability.

However, the Christmas book gifting scheme means that more children will be able to enjoy the magic of reading this Christmas. Children who own books are six times more likely to read above expected levels for their age and are also generally happier with their lives.

As well as donations from individuals, the initiative was supported by several local businesses including Perkins, John Lewis, Buckles Solicitors and Hegarty Solicitors which all donated books suitable for children aged 9-11.

The Peterborough branch of Metro Bank also supported the initiative by providing a drop-off point for the hundreds of donations.

The 500 books have been distributed to several local primary schools who are helping Peterborough Reads get books into the hands of children who need them most. Many children have already received their new book and some have even written thank you letters to the organisations which supported the scheme.

Lisa Hynes, development manager for Peterborough Reads, said: “We’re delighted with the success of the book gifting scheme. I’ve got to say a huge thank you to local individuals and businesses alike who kindly gifted us books for Peterborough children who can now enjoy the countless benefits of reading; from improved attainment at school to increased empathy and overall happiness.”

Steve Stafford, area director for Metro Bank Peterborough, said: “It’s hard to believe that one in 11 children in the most disadvantaged areas of Peterborough do not own a single book at home.

“We were delighted to support the book gifting scheme this year alongside being the drop-off point for the donations of new books to children that need them the most this Christmas.”

To find out more about Peterborough Reads you can visit peterboroughreads.org.uk or the campaign’s Facebook page.