Derby Book Festival appeal for children’s books

Derby Book Festival is launching an appeal for donations of children’s books to be given to less fortunate children in the city who may not have books at home. Derby Book Festival is asking local residents to have a clear out at home and collect up any previously loved, but now unwanted, children’s books, ideally for children under eleven. This is the fourth time Derby Book Festival has organised the appeal.  To date, more than 9,000 books have been collected from the residents of Derby.

The appeal is launched to coincide with this year’s Summer Festival, which will be held from 23 May-1 June, supported by the University of Derby and Marketing Derby, many of whose Bondholders support it each year.

The Festival, which is funded by the University of Derby and Arts Council England plus sponsorship from several local businesses and individuals, will work with local schools, nurseries and libraries to distribute the books to families who would welcome them at home. The only criteria is that the books should be in good condition to be passed on  – consider whether you would be happy to snuggle up close to your child or grandchild to read the book with them?   One of the Festival’s key aims is to encourage a new generation of readers and they firmly believe that it’s never too young for children to start to enjoy books, whether it’s listening to stories read to them or looking at the vibrant pictures.

Marketing Derby has kindly offered the Festival use of the Derby City Lab in the newly refurbished Market Hall during this year’s Summer Festival from 24 May – 1 June. People are invited to pop into the Lab to drop them off.  The appeal is also supported by Derbion, Moorways Sports Village, Rolls-Royce and Wathall’s (all Derby branches and Ashbourne). The full list of opening times can be found on the Book Festival website.

Professor Keith McLay, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Derby and Derby Book Festival Chair, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with local schools to help inspire a lifelong love of reading through a rich programme of Festival activities, such as the Meet The Author events.

“As a civic university, we strive to inspire and create positive opportunities for people across our city, region and beyond. Supporting Derby Book Festival is one of the many ways we bring this to life, uniting communities to celebrate the joy and power of books.

“We encourage everyone to get involved in the appeal by donating their pre-loved, unwanted books, helping to foster the love of reading, and provide children with a book to cherish.”

As well as the Meet the Author events for primary and secondary schools, which this year will include events with Nadia Shireen and MG Leonard, the Festival runs its successful Derby Children’s Picture Book Award. This year’s winner, voted for by six- and seven-year-olds in the city’s schools, was Flower Block By Lanisha Butterfield and Hoang Giang. Schools enjoyed virtual visits to 4,500 children from Lanisha in May.

The Festival will also have a range of events and activities for children and families at this year’s Festival. Please visit our website for more information.

Find out more about this year’s Festival at www.derbybookfestival.co.uk