National charity Bookbanks has launched its latest branch inside the Leeds South & East Foodbank distribution centre at Hunslet Methodist Church.
Operating as a vibrant weekly pop-up stall every Wednesday morning, the project pairs food bank users with a team of local volunteers to help them choose from a curated selection of brand-new, completely free books - ranging from children’s stories and poetry to cookbooks and literary classics.
The launch lands during the UK's National Year of Reading and the Yorkshire Evening Post’s very own ‘Leeds Reads’ campaign, arriving at a critical time for local families.
Recent data highlights a stark national reading crisis, revealing that one in six children receiving free school meals does not own a single book of their own.
With low-income families feeling the squeeze, the new Hunslet hub is designed to foster a love for reading and provide vital resources just as the school summer holidays begin.
Take a look at our gallery below at what is currently on offer from today.
1. Leeds Bookbank opens
The newly launched Bookbanks stall is now a permanent weekly addition to the Leeds South & East Foodbank distribution centre inside Hunslet Methodist Church. | Gerard Binks
2. Leeds Bookbank opens
Operating every Wednesday morning, the vibrant pop-up offers everything from cookbooks and literary classics to poetry and children's literature, ensuring books are accessible to everyone. | Gerard Binks
3. Leeds Bookbank opens
Unlike traditional donation bins, the initiative focuses on providing high-quality, brand-new books to help instil a sense of pride and a genuine love for reading among visitors. | Gerard Binks
4. Leeds Bookbank opens
A dedicated team of local volunteers staffs the hub each week, offering warm, personalized recommendations to help match readers with the perfect title. | Gerard Binks
5. Leeds Bookbank opens
Launching right as the school summer holidays approach, the project directly addresses the "summer reading slide" for children across low-income households. | Gerard Binks
6. Leeds Bookbank opens
With recent national data showing that one in six children on free school meals does not own a single book, the Hunslet hub places vital learning resources directly into the hands of local youth. | Gerard Binks