Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland
The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.
Article Source: Children’s Book Project
Last Updated: 17 February 2025 12:55
Asda today announced (17 February) that it is relaunching its instore book donation points across the UK, including all stores in Scotland, with the aim of supporting families in accessing books through their nationwide partnership with literacy charity the Children’s Book Project.
Over 100,000 pre-loved books have been donated by Asda customers since the launch of the partnership in September 2024, enabling every child in 140 primary schools nationwide to each choose and take home two free books of their own via a dedicated ‘book festival’. For many, these will be the first books these children have ever owned.
To celebrate the relaunch and the power of reading, Asda community champions will also be hosting reading activities and bringing ‘StoryTelling Magic’ to life in their stores and local communities in partnership with BBC’s Tiny Happy People.
The Children’s Book Project is on a mission to tackle book poverty in childhood. They take donations of surplus new and pre-loved books and gift them via schools, community groups and food banks to children that have very few books of their own.
From 14th February over 388 Asda superstores invited local families to donate any books they’ve grown out of, dropping them into a dedicated donation trolley hosted by the store’s Community Champion. Together the two organisations expect to give a further 50,000 children the chance to participate in celebratory book gifting festivals hosted by their school or community group, where they will be able to choose and take home, books of their own.
Book poverty[1] has a measurable impact on children’s social and emotional development, as well as their education outcomes, and the charity’s core mission chimes with Asda’s wider, ongoing initiatives to support low-income families. Through this partnership more children will have the chance to choose books they are excited about, to share stories with their wider family and to lose themselves in a story.
Asda’s National Charity Coordinator Carolyn Francis said: “Last year our customers donated over 100,000 pre-loved books across Asda stores that were then redistributed back into local communities. All children should be able to access a book without the cost being a barrier. Now is a great time for families to have a bit of a clear out and donate any books that their children may have grown out of which will then go on to benefit many other children in their area.”
Children’s Book Project Founder and CEO Liberty Venn said: “The support that Asda families have already shown for our work is incredible. It shows just how much parents understand the potential for the books they enjoyed with their children to make another child laugh or dream and to create shared reading opportunities at home. This exciting relaunch will enable us to reach so many more families nationwide, to help more children to lose (and find) themselves in books and to celebrate the role that Asda stores play within their communities.”
For full list of participating stores visit www.childrensbookproject.co.uk/ASDA
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Giant Lanterns are back with a splash at Edinburgh Zoo!
For the first time in six years, Edinburgh Zoo is bringing its Giant Lanterns event back with a splash this winter.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce 40th anniversary programming
One of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s most iconic venues, Gilded Balloon, has announced a huge roster of legendary names to celebrate its 40th anniversary this August.
READ MORE
Conifox Champions Allergy Inclusion for Families
Allergy Awareness in Action as Conifox Adventure Park sets a new standard for safe family days out.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Skerryvore castle concert capacity grows due to global demand
A special one-off event celebrating the 20th anniversary of beloved Scottish band Skerryvore is getting even bigger, organisers have announced.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival announces expanded The Front List series for 2025
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is delighted to announce the second year of The Front List, in partnership with Underbelly.
READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Edinburgh shopper scoops hundreds of pounds for CHAS in ALDI Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh, and one lucky local winner has raised £726.77 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for herself.
READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!
READ MORE
Top Scottish chefs take on ultimate kitchen cook off at food hall Bonnie & Wild
Some of Scotland’s best chefs are sharpening their knives for the ultimate kitchen cook-off at Scottish food hall Bonnie & Wild.
READ MORE
New spring season for a new look Capital Theatres
Capital Theatres’ spring season brings with it a new look, new shows and new extraordinary experiences.
READ MORE
Travel back in time to The World of King James VI and I
A special, one-off exhibition opens at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh this Saturday (26 April), charting the remarkable reign of King James VI and I.
READ MORE
Music Venue Trust launch Annual Report in Scottish Parliament
Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs) launched its 2024 Annual Report in Scottish Parliament with a special event last night.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
Appeal to Restore Scottish Veterans Memorial
Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) have launched a major public appeal to restore the charity’s century-old Memorial at Eastern Cemetery in Leith, Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Bluey brought to real life in Smash Hit Show
Following a hugely successful UK tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play and it's coming to Edinburgh Playhouse!
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Discover a Summer of Outdoor Adventure with Dynamic Earth
This summer, Dynamic Earth - Edinburgh’s only Science Centre and Planetarium - is welcoming back children to its ever-popular Summer Outdoor Club.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
Mussel and Steak Bar will revert back to 2005 menu pricing for week long birthday celebrations
To celebrate its 20th birthday, the world famous The Mussel & Steak Bar will be offering a 20% discount from Monday 5th May - Thursday 8th May.
READ MORE
Lost Victorian relic found in attic during Edinburgh renovation
During renovation work at CoDE The Court, a rare 19th-century Crossley ‘Otto Silent’ engine, one of only three in existence, was discovered tucked away in the attic.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links