Reading Fairy locations across the UK are encouraging families to ‘share their shelves’ this week and help other youngsters discover the joy of reading by donating a book that’s no longer needed.

Now in its fourth year, the ‘Share Your Shelves’ initiative has become a much-loved fixture in the Reading Fairy calendar, with every location participating since 2022.

The idea is simple: families donate books that are no longer read at home, and Reading Fairy leaders redistribute them within their communities. Some are gifted directly to nurseries and schools; others are left in safe public spaces for children to discover and take home.

The aim is to widen access to books and encourage reading for pleasure at a time when early literacy levels are under pressure.

Reading Fairy Lancaster class leader Kelly Akister shared more than 1,000 books last year alone and has dished out 2,588 titles over the past 18 months. Alongside hiding individual stories for children to find, she has donated full class and nursery sets so that children can choose a book of their own to keep.

“For me it is the joy of a child finding a new (and free) book to enjoy,” she said. “Often our homes are full of duplicates, unloved or outgrown books. What we might be storing could be another family’s treasure.”

It is easy to assume that every child has access to books at home, but reality is different. New research from Kindred Squared found that 37% of children are starting school without the basic skills they need to thrive - a 5% increase on 2024.

One in four children lack basic language skills, 35% struggle to hold a pencil or crayon, and 28% do not know how to use a book correctly, often trying to swipe the pages.

Tara Nathan, class leader at Reading Fairy in Sutton, Surrey said, “It is shocking to know that 28% of children don't know how to handle books correctly and try to swipe to read. Developing early literacy skills is fundamental in children's early years and by providing children with books, it will hopefully encourage them to show an interest in understanding how to use it.

“Knowing that children will get joy and excitement from discovering a book is so powerful for me. Children love joining in and helping me hide books too which teaches them how to share their love of books too.”

For more information, visit www.readingfairy.com.

About

Reading Fairy is a UK-based early literacy programme offering storytelling and phonics-rich classes for children aged 12 months to five years. Through songs, puppets, picture books and playful activities, Reading Fairy supports language development and builds strong foundations for learning to read. Operating through local classes across the UK, the organisation is committed to nurturing a lifelong love of books and helping children develop the skills and confidence they need as they begin school.