Doorstep Library – What We Do
Doorstep Library is a community-focused charity dedicated to bringing the gift of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children across London who need our support. For us, the ‘happy ever after’ is when we know the power of literacy and the joy of reading are helping a child change their own story for good.
Watch our multi-award winning film to find out more.
Family reading resources
We believe all parents can support their children in developing a love of reading. We exist to empower families so that books are shared in the home, and stories become a part of family routine and a happy long-lasting memory for both parents and children. Discover the benefits of reading together with your child, along with tips on how to make the most out of books and storytime videos for your child to enjoy.
46%
1 in 8
1.5M
1 in 4
1 in 4
1 in 3
Volunteer With Us
Did you know that 1 in 8 children don’t own a single book? Which is why our volunteers like to show up on the doorstep with backpacks full of books to share the joy of reading for pleasure with children living in some of London’s most disadvantaged areas. Help us continue to bring books to children who need it most by becoming a Home Reading Volunteer.
What's New
Keep up to date with all of our latest news, blogs and newsletters.
Support our work
1 in 4 of London’s children live in households experiencing poverty. We bring stories into children’s lives from a young age to help them develop the confidence and skills that can change their futures. You can support our work by donating, fundraising or raising awareness. Whether you are holding your own company, school or personal fundraiser, we will guide you through the process to make it easy and fun.
Where we work
Chalk Farm
Our Chalk Farm project sits within the borough of Camden where we’ve started supporting families. We currently offer on-the-ground reading projects to local families with children aged 0 – 11, and we are also offering Online Reading Sessions to families across Camden.
Nearest Station: Chalk Farm (Northern)
- Tuesday - 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Tulse Hill
Our Tulse Hill projects sit within the borough of Lambeth where we have been supporting families for two years now. We currently operate four projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-3. These projects have an early years focus and are run in partnership with LEAP (Lambeth Early Years Partnership).
Nearest Station: Tulse Hill overground (Southern and Thameslink rail)
- Monday – 4:30pm – 7:00pm
- Tuesday – 4:30pm – 7:00pm
Somers Town
Our Somers Town project sits within the borough of Camden where we’ve just starting supporting families. We currently only offer on-the-ground reading projects to local families with children aged 0 – 11, but we are offering Online Reading Sessions to families across Camden.
Nearest Station: Kings Cross (Circle, Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, Northern, Metropolitan and Victoria)
- Monday - 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Edgware Road
Our Edgware Road project sits within the borough of Westminster where we have been supporting families for four years now. We currently operate five projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-11.
Nearest Station: Edgware Road tube station (Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines)
- Monday - 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Marylebone
Our Marylebone project sits within the borough of Westminster where we have been supporting families for four years now. We currently operate five projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-11.
Nearest Station: Marylebone (Bakerloo line)
- Thursday - 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Pimlico
Our Pimlico projects sit within the borough of Westminster where we have been supporting families for four years now. We currently operate five projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-11.
Nearest Station: Pimlico (Victoria line)
- Tuesday - 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
- Thursday - 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Queen’s Park
Our Queen’s Park project sits within the borough of Westminster where we have been supporting families for four years now. We currently operate five projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-11.
Nearest Station: Queen’s Park (Bakerloo line)
- Monday - 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Brixton
Our Brixton project sits within the borough of Lambeth where we have been supporting families for two years now. We currently operate four projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-3. These projects have an early years focus and are run in partnership with LEAP (Lambeth Early Years Partnership).
Nearest Station: Brixton (Victoria line)
- Tuesday – 4:30pm – 7:00pm
- Thursday – 4.30pm – 7:00pm
East Acton
Our East Acton project sits within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham where we have been supporting families for over ten years now. We currently operate five projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-11.
Nearest Station: East Acton (Central line)
- Monday - 3:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Parsons Green
Our Parsons Green project sits within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham where we have been supporting families for over ten years now. We currently operate five projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-11.
Nearest Station: Parsons Green (District line)
- Tuesday - 3:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Shepherd’s Bush
Our Shepherd’s Bush project sits within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham where we have been supporting families for over ten years now. We currently operate five projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-11.
Nearest Station: Shepherd’s Bush (Central line)
- Thursday - 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Hammersmith
Our Hammersmith project sits within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham where we have been supporting families for over ten years now. We currently operate five projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-11.
Nearest Station: Hammersmith (District and Piccadilly line)
- Thursday - 3:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Fulham Broadway
Our Fulham Broadway project sits within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham where we have been supporting families for over ten years now. We currently operate five projects in the borough, sharing books and reading with children aged 0-11.
Nearest Station: Fulham Broadway (District line)
- Tuesday - 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm