Bookshop.org & Independent Alliance join forces for Books That Give charity drive

Stuart Mitchell

Bookshop.org has recently launched the charitable initiative Books That Give, which will see 10% of sales of select Independent Alliance titles donated to newly established charity Bookbanks, which currently provides free books at foodbanks in London and Norfolk, with the future goal of expanding across the UK.

Books That Give marks the inaugural collaboration between the online retailer on a mission to support independent bookshops and the Independent Alliance, a community of independent UK publishers also heavily invested in helping indie bookshops thrive in an Amazon dominated market.

Launching just in time for Christmas, the online initiative has drawn support from Bookbanks’ ambassadors, the authors Andrew O’Hagan and Elizabeth Day, who encourage readers to get behind Books That Give, so the charity can continue to do the important work it does in creating a space for conversation, inspiration and community, by taking books, and book professionals, into foodbanks.  

Throughout November and December, readers can support Books That Give by visiting Bookshop.org and purchasing any book from a list of 30 titles, nominated by each of the participating Independent Alliance publishers. Spanning fiction and non-fiction for all ages, cookbooks and illustrated titles, by authors such as Matt Haig, Elena Ferrante, Marlon James and Lemn Sissay, the 30-strong list comprises:  

The Independent Alliance will donate 10% of each sale from Books That Give directly to Bookbanks, which launched as a charity in June of this year. Founded by Emily Rhodes, a writer and journalist with a background in bookselling, Bookbanks provides a staffed stall of donated books and printed materials at St Jude & St Paul’s foodbank in Newington Green and Wymondham Community Outreach Project in South Norfolk and as of November, has homes inside the Trussell Trust’s Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank in West London and the Norwich Foodbank’s Bowthorpe distribution centre, bringing the total number of sites up to four.

Proceeds from Books That Give will assist the charity in its long-term mission of expanding to further locations across the UK.

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. When you give someone a book, you strengthen the connection between you. At Bookbanks, where we have now given out over 3,000 books to people accessing food banks, we see just how powerful this connection can be. When guests approach our stalls, our trained volunteers are there to help them find the right book, whether it’s for themselves, their children, grandchildren or friends. 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.“ 

Andrew O’Hagan, Author and Bookbanks Ambassador, 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.”

Elizabeth Day, Author and Bookbanks Ambassador, said: “Books have always been one of my favourite things to give (and receive) as Christmas presents. 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.” 

Mark Adams, Bookseller at independent bookshop Stoke Newington Bookshop, said: “This is such a great initiative and we’re excited to support it. Of course we all want a country where food banks are no longer needed, but whilst they provide such an important day-to-day lifeline, the idea of helping some of the most vulnerable people in society get access to books (which we know can change people’s lives) is a powerful one. It’s also a great example of using the Bookshop.org platform to bring together independent bookshops and publishers to do good.”

Nicole Vanderbilt, Managing Director of Bookshop.org UK, said: “Bookshop.org is proud to partner with the Independent Alliance for our inaugural Books That Give charity drive. Bookshop.org customers buy their books from us because they know that where they spend their money matters. This Christmas we are giving them the extra gift of the opportunity to buy high quality titles from some of the best independent publishers in the UK, safe in the knowledge that their money will go even further – supporting independent bookshops, independent publishers, and the good work that Bookbanks are doing to widen access to books to those who can’t afford them. At no extra costs to customers, these exciting titles will make great gifts in their own right, but thanks to the generosity of our partner, the Independent Alliance, they will provide vital support to indie bookshops during the most important retail period of the year, and to Bookbanks as they seek to grow their much needed community across the UK.”

Find out more about ‘Books That Give’ here, and follow the latest developments on social media.

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