The Christmas book gifting, run by Manchester City Council, Read Manchester and the Manchester Central Library Development Trust, gives new books to children from low socio-economic backgrounds from all over the city so that they can experience the beauty of reading and enjoy owning their own book.
In addition, the scheme aims to encourage children to stay reading over the Christmas holidays, whilst they’re not at school as well as helping them develop vital literacy and communication skills.
In previous years, over 150,000 books have been gifted to children from a wide range of authors and over £6,000 has been raised. This year, the campaign hopes to raise more money so Manchester City Council and its partners can work to help children and young people discover the joy of reading.
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said:
“Getting children into reading is very important to us. Through this scheme children who may not own their own books will get to experience the joy of owning a book that is entirely theirs.
“Now more than ever it is vital that we support vulnerable residents in our communities. This winter, children risk bearing the brunt of the cost of living crisis as parents struggle to provide just the essentials like heat, food or light. This is why it’s so important we support local children through this period.
“Through this unique partnership, we are working to supply free new books to families who otherwise would not be able to afford them, ensuring that children are able to keep enjoying the benefits of reading which we know are vital to their early and continued development.”
Brendan O’Shea, Chair of Manchester Central Library Development Trust said:
“Many of us are struggling with the cost of living crisis, but it’s important, more than ever, to help those far less fortunate than ourselves who can really benefit from our goodwill. Just £10 could provide two brand new books for a struggling family this Christmas.”
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