Bookbanks, the charity that brings books to food banks, is launching in Manchester, in May. Manchester University Press (MUP) are delighted to share this news, and also share that members  MUP staff will be volunteering at the new Ardwick branch, thanks to the University of Manchester’s recent introduction of volunteering days. We will also be donating new books to Bookbanks on a regular basis.

Founded in London, Bookbanks now heads to Manchester for its first partnership in the North. In each new location, the charity partners with food banks to create enticing weekly pop-up stalls of free books onsite. From baby books to poetry, via cookbooks and classics, many of these are new and donated by bookshops, prizes and publishers. Others are given by individuals, including food bank guests. These stalls are looked after by trained volunteers with a background in books, who have a passion for widening access to them. They offer regular events, including author readings and writing workshops.

To date, Bookbanks has distributed over 5,000 books at food banks, with an average of 30 books given out per site, each week.

Bookbanks’ first Manchester site will launch on 2nd May at the Ardwick distribution centre of Manchester Central Foodbank (MCF). Part of the Trussell Trust network, MCF supports over 1,500 people per month, including families and individuals facing financial hardship.

An estimated 620,000 people live in poverty in Greater Manchester, including 250,000 children. Meanwhile, national studies reveal that 1 in 10 children in the UK do not own a single book, while being read to by age five is a key protective factor against poverty in adulthood.

Founding Director Emily Rhodes says: “We are thrilled to be bringing Bookbanks to Manchester, a city with such a vibrant literary scene and inclusive community spirit. We’re looking forward to working closely with Manchester Central Foodbank to create a space there for inspiration, conversation, literacy and community.”

Ben Warner, Assistant Operations Manager at Manchester Central Foodbank says: “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Bookbanks to bring a new dimension to one of our foodbank centres. Making sure that our centres are a welcoming and holistic experience for those who are visiting us is vital for us. Reading and access to books does huge good during early-years and beyond, and we’re so pleased to be able to facilitate that for our foodbank visitors.”

Bookbanks aims to expand further in Manchester and the North of England, with a second site planned at Greater Together Manchester’s Social Supermarket in Miles Platting.

The charity is welcoming companies, publishers, and individuals to get involved and support the launch through financial donations, book contributions, and volunteer opportunities.

For more information, to donate, or to get involved, visit www.bookbanks.co.uk.