A campaign to gift unwanted books to people in the community who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present has launched for the third time.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries service is calling for donations of new or nearly new books for its Gift A Book campaign, which last Christmas saw around 3,500 books donated by residents and charities.
The books were gifted to residents via charities and local organisations including the Community Wellbeing Hub, four Children’s Centres, Bath Welcomes Refugees and Bath Mind.
Any type of book in any genre, suitable for any age and in any format — paperback, hardback, audio, or large print will be gratefully received. The donations can be made at the council’s libraries in Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton between November 11 and December 3.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities, said, “In 2019 and again last year, we were delighted that we received generous donations to our Gift A Book campaign which meant so many people in our community received a present on Christmas Day.
“We are keenly aware that we are in a cost-of-living crisis which is affecting everyone. However, we are once again asking that anyone who is able to part with unwanted books in new or excellent condition to please do so. It could go a long way in making someone’s Christmas a happy one. Disappointingly about 50% of the donations last year were not in a suitable condition to gift and had to be recycled, which is why we are stressing that any books donated needs to be in very good condition.”
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Joining one of the council’s libraries is quick, easy and there is no cost involved. Anyone who is a resident in Bath and North East Somerset can become a member and visitors can join temporarily, so they can enjoy library services while they are in our area. Find out more at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/join-library-network