Abingdon bookshop supports charity providing free books

Mostly Books is supporting Books That Give, a new charitable initiative launched by Bookshop.org.

The initiative will see 10 per cent of sales from select Independent Alliance titles donated to newly established charity Bookbanks.

It is a collaboration between Bookshop.org and the Independent Alliance, a group of UK publishers supporting independent bookshops.

Bookbanks (Image: Annabelle Williams) Aileen Marr, senior bookseller at Mostly Books, said: "Mostly Books is delighted that Bookshop.org and the Independent Alliance are joining forces for the festive season.

"Bookshop.org is the antidote to Amazon, allowing people to shop for books online while still supporting local, independent bookshops.

"This partnership means that our customers can support the fantastic charity Bookbanks at the same time, bringing books to those who might not otherwise have access to them - an act that could be life-changing."

The initiative encourages readers to support Bookbanks by purchasing from a list of 30 titles on Bookshop.org.

The titles, nominated by each participating Independent Alliance publisher, span fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, and illustrated titles for all ages.

Proceeds from Books That Give will help Bookbanks in its mission of expanding to further locations across the UK.

Writer and journalist Emily Rhodes, founding director at Bookbanks, said: "We are so grateful to Bookshop.org and to the Independent Alliance for this inspired partnership that will enable us to give more books to more people who would otherwise struggle to afford them.

Emily Rhodes (Image: Maria Pogorzaly) "The books spark conversations that lead in countless directions - sometimes reflective, sometimes hopeful, often inspiring and always helping to create a positive community atmosphere, which is especially vital at this challenging time of year."

Since its launch, Bookbanks has given out more than 3,000 books to people accessing food banks.

Authors Andrew O’Hagan and Elizabeth Day, ambassadors of Bookbanks, have also shown their support for the initiative.

Andrew O’Hagan (Image: Christina Jansen) Elizabeth Day (Image: Jacquetta Clark) Mr O’Hagan said: "I grew up in a family that needed help, and books were instrumental in enlarging my sense of community and possibility.

"I'm thrilled that this initiative will help Bookbanks reach more of the many families who need support today, and help other children access the benefits of reading."

Ms Day added: "I’m thrilled that this initiative will put more brilliant books under the tree this year - both when people buy them as gifts, and when donations to Bookbanks enable the charity to give more books and connect with more people accessing food banks at this particularly difficult time of year."