Thousands of children’s books donated to Derby Book Festival

An appeal for children’s books spearheaded by Derby Book Festival has resulted in thousands of previously cherished books being donated by residents and local businesses across the city.

The latest collection, which took place in November, was supported by a number of organisations including Marketing Derby‘s Derby City Lab, Derbion, QUAD, Wathall’s, Rolls-Royce, Cosy Direct and the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road Campus Library.

The donated books have now been distributed to schools, childminders and community organisations who will give them to children in the city who may not have books at home.

Following a call-out to organisations and schools in Derby that work with families and their children, the books were sorted into age-appropriate bundles and 13 city schools, and three community organisations collected a box from the festival office.

The schools and community organisations will use the books to support their work with families.

The festival, which is funded by the University of Derby and Arts Council England, plus sponsorship from several local businesses and individuals, works with children in Derby through its programme of year-round projects.

One of the festival’s key aims is to encourage a new generation of readers.

Professor Keith McLay, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Derby and Derby Book Festival chair, said: “On behalf of Derby Book Festival, I would like to express my thanks to everyone who donated books to the Children’s Book Appeal.

“Since summer 2023, the Book Appeal has received more than 8,000 donations.

“The festival works closely with schools in the city to nurture a love of books and reading, and the activities it runs as a charity support this.

“As a civic institution, the University of Derby is proud to create opportunities and to support the ambitions of organisations and voluntary sector groups, which are making an impact on society.

“The Children’s Book Festival is a project that the university is delighted to have supported, and we look forward to more success in 2025.”