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.
7. Leeds Bookbank opens
Beyond just a book drop, the space is designed to be highly interactive and conversational, blending literacy resources seamlessly into an existing community lifeline. | Gerard Binks
8. Leeds Bookbank opens
Launched during the National Year of Reading, organizers hope the new Leeds branch will pave the way for similar community partnerships across the wider Yorkshire region. | Gerard Binks