Doorstep Library Launches New Project in Shepherd's Bush

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Could you volunteer to visit children and share of love of reading?

Doorstep Library, the London based children’s literacy charity, is launching a new project in Shepherd's Bush at the end of February.

Doorstep Library has been running in W12 since 2013 but as part of its expansion plans, is now partnering with impact initiative West London Zone to launch a second home reading project. West London Zone identify children from local schools and organisations who would benefit from the support their partner charities offer.

Doorstep Library works in some of the most disadvantaged areas of London. Statistics show that children from low-income families are falling behind at school by the age of seven and that bedtime reading has dropped by a third in a generation due to stress and lack of time.

Volunteers from the Doorstep Library visit families on a long term basis to introduce them to the joy of reading whilst improving their literacy, educational attainment and life chances.

More volunteers are needed to bring the magic of reading directly into more children’s homes. They visit the families each week, with rucksacks full of books, to read stories and lend books. They tailor the sessions according to the child’s needs and encourage them to make their own choices.

Alex, a Doorstep Library volunteer in Fulham, said: "It’s so rewarding to see excited faces waiting by the door for our call. Opening a book together is priceless."

Doorstep Library Programme Manager, Emily Oliver said: "After 4 years of running successful projects in this area, we had more families wanting our service than we had capacity for, so we really saw the potential to expand by partnering with West London Zone."

Volunteers are being invited to join the new project which will run on Tuesday afternoons between 4.30pm – 7pm. To find out more about volunteering in Shepherds Bush, contact Project Coordinator Olivia Donkor at olivia@doorsteplibrary.org.uk.

To attend an information session book your place by emailing enquiries@doorsteplibrary.org.ukor simply go straight to the enquiry form. The next available sessions are:

· Wednesday 7 March 11am-12.30pm

· Monday 19 March 6pm -7.30pm

February 26, 2018