National literacy charity Bookbanks launches new free book hub in South Leeds

A national charity dedicated to bringing literature directly to families experiencing food insecurity is set to open its first permanent Leeds branch next month.

Bookbanks - an organisation that sets up free book stalls inside existing food banks - will officially launch its new Leeds hub on July 1, with the expansion, which also includes a new site in Ipswich, partnering with local food bank networks to provide families with free access to books right before the school holidays begin.

The move comes amidst worrying literacy data highlighting that the reading enjoyment ‘disadvantage gap’ between children who receive free school meals and those who do not has more than doubled over the past year.

Research also reveals that low-income children risk losing months of reading ability over the summer break, further widening the achievement gap with their peers.

Bookbanks Director Hattie Garlick highlighted the urgency of the initiative: "During this National Year of Reading, Bookbanks' mission could not be more meaningful or urgent. One in six children receiving free school meals does not own a single book of their own, compared to one in 11 of their peers whose families can afford school lunches.

"Books should not be a luxury. They are a proven path towards better opportunities and wellbeing, and Bookbanks is helping more people access these transformative effects."

Operating out of South Leeds, Bookbanks will set up a vibrant, weekly pop-up stall onsite during regular food bank hours, with the stalls offering a diverse range of completely free, mostly brand-new books spanning everything from baby books and children's literature to poetry, cookbooks, and historical classics.

The Leeds project will be powered by a dedicated team of 10 trained local volunteers, all of whom possess a professional background in books and a shared passion for widening community access to reading.

In addition to helping guests select titles that match their personal interests, the volunteer team will use the space to spark friendly conversations and exchange ideas.

Beyond the weekly book lending, the hub is set to host regular community events, including live author readings, writing workshops, and dedicated visits from local librarians.

Since its initial launch in 2024, Bookbanks has distributed more than 20,000 free books to food bank users across the country, currently averaging around 400 books every week across its existing locations.

Each participating food bank site gives away an average of 50 books per week, with half of those going directly to children.

The July openings will bring the charity's total network to 11 active food bank partnerships nationwide, marking a major step toward its ultimate goal of operating in 30 food banks by the year 2030.

Emily Rhodes, Founding Director of Bookbanks, said: "Since our launch in 2024, Bookbanks has given out more than 20,000 free books to people using food banks. With our current locations, we're distributing around 400 books every week.

“These two new food bank partners will help us raise that number as well as reaching whole new communities in need."

Bookbanks will run every Wednesday morning starting July 1 inside the Leeds South & East Foodbank at the Hunslet Methodist Church distribution centre, 31 Telford Terrace, Leeds, LS10 2HR. Food bank guests can find full operating details, and readers looking to join the local 10-person volunteer team can apply directly via the official website.