Derby Book Festival appeal for children’s books

Derby Book Festival is launching a Children’s Book Appeal to coincide with their Autumn Edition, which will be held from 13-16 November. They are inviting donations of children’s books to be given to less fortunate children in the city who may not have books at home.  

The Festival organisers are asking local residents to have a clear out at home and collect up any previously loved, but now unwanted, children’s books, ideally for children aged under eleven. This is the fifth time Derby Book Festival has organised the appeal. To date they have collected 11,000 books from the residents of Derby.  

The Festival organisers are extremely grateful to local businesses for their support and these continue to grow with new partners Morley Hayes, PIB Insurance and St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy joining Marketing Derby, Derbion, The University of Derby, Moorways Sports Village, Rolls-Royce, Cosy and Wathall’s (all Derby branches and Ashbourne), all of whom have kindly offered to be drop-off points for the books.  Marketing Derby have offered  the Festival use of the Derby City Lab in the newly refurbished Market Hall from 10-16 November for this year’s Book Appeal. People are invited to pop into the Lab to drop them off.  

The full list of opening times for drop-offs can be found on the Book Festival website. The Book Appeal is always keen to include more partners from around the city and any organisations that would like to host a Book Appeal collection point either for staff or the public should contact vanessa@derbybookfestival.co.uk. 

The Festival, which is funded by the University of Derby and Arts Council England as well as with sponsorship from several local businesses and individuals, will work with local schools, nurseries, libraries and other organisations to distribute the books to families who would welcome them at home. The only criteria is that the books should be in good condition to be passed on  – consider whether you would be happy to snuggle up close to your child or grandchild to read the book with them? 

One of the Festival’s key aims is to encourage a new generation of readers and they firmly believe that it’s never too young for children to start to enjoy books, whether it’s listening to stories read to them or looking at the vibrant pictures.

Professor Keith McLay, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Derby and Derby Book Festival Chair, said: “Books spark imagination, build empathy and improve focus. They help children expand their vocabulary and develop critical thinking skills.

“Reading is a fun, relaxing and healthy way to explore new worlds, but we know that not every child is lucky enough to have access to books at home. Through this appeal, we hope to give every child in the city a book of their own.”

As well as the Meet the Author events for primary and secondary schools, which earlier this year included events with Nadia Shireen and MG Leonard, the Festival runs its successful Derby Children’s Picture Book Award. This year’s winner, voted for by six- and seven-year-olds in the city’s schools, was Flower Block By Lanisha Butterfield and Hoang Giang. 4,500 children enjoyed virtual school visits by Lanisha in May. Lanisha will be visiting Derby for the Autumn Edition of the Festival with events for the public and in schools on 16-17 November.

The Festival will also have a range of events and activities for children and families at this year’s Festival. The first event, kicking off the Festival is ‘Draw With Rob’ on Saturday 8th November at Derby Theatre at 3.00pm. Best-selling and multi award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph, the creative star behind the viral and phenomenal #DrawWithRob videos, will teach everyone how to draw one of his amazing illustrations and share his brilliant books. Please visit our website for more information. 

Find out more about this year’s Festival at www.derbybookfestival.co.uk