Thousands of children's books donated to Derby Book Festival

Derby Book Festival’s recent Children’s Book Appeal has resulted in thousands of previously cherished books being donated by residents and local businesses across the city.  The 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.  

Derby Book Festival took delivery of the books in November and were overwhelmed by the generosity of local people and businesses.  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. A huge thanks to everyone who donated.  Rest assured that the books will find a grateful new home.

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 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.

The Festival was supported in their book collection by Marketing Derby, Derbion, QUAD, Moorways Sports Village, Wathall’s Funeral Services, Rolls-Royce, Cosy and the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road Campus Library.  

Professor Keith McLay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of 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.” 

As well as the Meet the Author events for primary and secondary schools, which this year has included events with Sophy Henn and award-winning writer, SF Said, 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 Thunderboots by Naomi Jones and Rebecca Ashdown.  Schools enjoyed virtual visits to 170 classes from Naomi and Rebecca in May.

The Festival hosts a range of one-off events and activities for children and families, as well as a full programme at each Festival. The next event will be the BIG Derby World Book Day Party, which will be held on Saturday 8th March. The Festival organisers are now programming their Summer Festival 2025: 23 May - 1 June.