Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland

The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.

Article Source: Children’s Book Project
Last Updated: 17 February 2025 12:55

Asda today announced (17 February) that it is relaunching its instore book donation points across the UK, including all stores in Scotland, with the aim of supporting families in accessing books through their nationwide partnership with literacy charity the Children’s Book Project.

Over 100,000 pre-loved books have been donated by Asda customers since the launch of the partnership in September 2024, enabling every child in 140 primary schools nationwide to each choose and take home two free books of their own via a dedicated ‘book festival’. For many, these will be the first books these children have ever owned.

To celebrate the relaunch and the power of reading, Asda community champions will also be hosting reading activities and bringing ‘StoryTelling Magic’ to life in their stores and local communities in partnership with BBC’s Tiny Happy People.

The Children’s Book Project is on a mission to tackle book poverty in childhood. They take donations of surplus new and pre-loved books and gift them via schools, community groups and food banks to children that have very few books of their own.

From 14th February over 388 Asda superstores invited local families to donate any books they’ve grown out of, dropping them into a dedicated donation trolley hosted by the store’s Community Champion. Together the two organisations expect to give a further 50,000 children the chance to participate in celebratory book gifting festivals hosted by their school or community group, where they will be able to choose and take home, books of their own.

Book poverty[1] has a measurable impact on children’s social and emotional development, as well as their education outcomes, and the charity’s core mission chimes with Asda’s wider, ongoing initiatives to support low-income families. Through this partnership more children will have the chance to choose books they are excited about, to share stories with their wider family and to lose themselves in a story.

Asda’s National Charity Coordinator Carolyn Francis said: “Last year our customers donated over 100,000 pre-loved books across Asda stores that were then redistributed back into local communities. All children should be able to access a book without the cost being a barrier. Now is a great time for families to have a bit of a clear out and donate any books that their children may have grown out of which will then go on to benefit many other children in their area.”

Children’s Book Project Founder and CEO Liberty Venn said: “The support that Asda families have already shown for our work is incredible. It shows just how much parents understand the potential for the books they enjoyed with their children to make another child laugh or dream and to create shared reading opportunities at home. This exciting relaunch will enable us to reach so many more families nationwide, to help more children to lose (and find) themselves in books and to celebrate the role that Asda stores play within their communities.”

For full list of participating stores visit www.childrensbookproject.co.uk/ASDA

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!

Smyths Toys is hosting the official Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt giving kids the chance to hunt down the letters instore and unscramble the word to receive a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington brings his new tour to Glasgow

Kai Widdrington, renowned professional dancer across the UK and Ireland, is set to bring his highly anticipated dance tour, Kai - Evolution to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre!

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

Global fashion retail brand Hollister confirmed for Silverburn Glasgow

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister is set to join its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow return to defend their title in national poetry competition

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow, crowned Slam Masters and Individual winners at the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, will return to this year’s competition to defend their title.

Govan Music Festival opens today with song inspired by life saving Glasgow society

This year's programme showcases the diversity, talent and passion of the historic Glasgow district, with one show featuring a song inspired by local lifesaving outfit, the Glasgow Humane Society.

Scottish comedy venues offers funded fringe for new comedian

Scottish comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.

Glasgow Film Festival celebrates its 21st edition with over 33,000 attendances

Stellar lineup of Hollywood stars including Toni Collette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, James McAvoy and Tim Roth lit up the city alongside a programme of free films and events for the community.

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

Scottish entrepreneurs launch groundbreaking whisky brand focused on accessibility, community, and innovation

Scottish-based spirits company Necropolis Spirits has unveiled its latest product, The Merchants' Select whisky, marking a bold new chapter in the whisky industry.

Elements announces exclusive wine dinner with Grgich Hills Winery

Three AA Rosette Elements restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with World-renowned Grgich Hills Winery.

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

NQ64 celebrates third birthday in Glasgow with bottomless gaming challenge and new daytime hours

Neon-lit retro arcade bar, NQ64 is celebrating its third birthday with a brand new Bottomless Gaming challenge, inventive cocktails and expanded daytime operating hours!

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

Scotland vs Greece: First Bus Hampden Express to run for huge second leg tie

First Bus is making it as easy as possible for Scotland fans to get to Hampden and back this Sunday thanks to its dedicated X31 express service!

Five star Crossbasket Castle unveils first look images of new hotel & restaurant

The venue has been designed to transport guests back to a magical bygone era, offering an escape from everyday life into a world of indulgence and excitement.

New fried chicken spot lands in Shawlands

The wait is over! Birds, the latest venture from the award-winning team behind El Perro Negro, is officially open and serving up some of the best fried chicken Glasgow has to offer!

Brand new Zara now open at Silverburn Glasgow

Global fashion brand Zara has officially opened at Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, with eager shoppers queuing to be the first through the doors.

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

Shawlands Academy announced winners of Buchanan Galleries and Ahead Partnership Made in Glasgow 2025 Challenge

Team 'BamBrew' from Shawlands Academy have been announced as the winners of the 2025 'Made in Glasgow' enterprise challenge.

20 Glasgow businesses shortlisted in the British Business Awards

20 Glasgow based companies are among the 143 from across the UK now vying for the top spot at the British Business Awards!

Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up

With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!

Fever presents The First Round: A one of a kind experience to meet new people

An exclusive dining experience comes to Glasgow, where great food and meaningful connections come together through a unique pairing algorithm to expand social circles.

Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break

From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.

Glasgow Fort to host fundraiser for local charity

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with its charity partner, Simba, to launch a fundraiser to support families ahead of Mother's Day.

People might make Glasgow but can they beat a top stand up comic at his own game

Partnering with Glasgow International Comedy Festival, First Bus is offering free bus travel to ticketholders!

Buchanan Galleries announces pioneering new SignLive service ahead of Sign Language Week

Buchanan Galleries is the first shopping centre in Scotland to team up with a pioneering new service, SignLive, to help support the deaf community and improve their experience.

Do you have memories from the old YWCA centres in Glasgow

The Young Women's Movement, formerly known as YWCA Scotland, is seeking stories from its 100-year history in Scotland, as part of an oral history project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.