Anywhere we can donate preloved kids books for redistribution?

[Turtlesmum]

Our office has been inspired by the 'Get London Reading' campaign. We thought it would be a great idea for people to bring in any childrens books they no longer need and we could donate them to a charity that can redistribute them to kids who need books. I can not find any charites in London who do this. Does anyone know of any? We really want the books to be passed on rather than sold in a charity shop.

Suggestions very welcome!

[2BoysTooLoud]

Sounds great idea. What about local schools? They may be able to help redistribute books or may be able to use books themselves as some schools struggle with book budget.

[IndigoBell]

Lovely idea.

I would hand them in to a local school. Tell them they can use them in their library or give them out to their kids.....

[SE13Mummy]

Definitely offer them to local schools (or to me!). I stock my classroom with decent books in lieu of Christmas presents from family. Over the years I've built up a stock of decent dictionaries, children's fiction, non-fiction, poetry etc.

When books become overly well read (or if a previously reluctant reader falls in love with one) I cross out my name and write in the name of a child so it is their very own.

It would be fantastic to have enough to give away and to keep my classroom stocked. I won't be the only London (or anywhere else) teacher who feels like this.

[piprabbit]

You could try contacting Women's Aid - they may be interested in passing the books on to the children who come through their doors with very little, having left home suddenly.

[thenevernever]

aSk the evening standard.
The schools near me seem to have more books than they can handle.

[washedup]

I would concur with Piprabbit about Women's Aid - not just for books but I'd urge people to donate any surplus toys, clothes, old pushchairs, car seats etc . They have always been extremely grateful for any of the above when I have contacted them. In fact I even gave them a sofa once. Often these women have to start again from scratch with small children in a new area with very little resources. Please consider them.

[Turtlesmum]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the ideas. If SE13Mummy is interested we're going to donate the books to her school.

We're also going to keep Womens Aid in mind for our next bakesale event.

[SE13Mummy]

I'm very definitely interested! Thank you so much Turtlesmum - I have replied to your PM.