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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.

About Us

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.

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46%

The gap between rich and poor pupils widened by 46% in lockdown.
The challenges facing schools and pupils in September 2020 2020

1 in 8

1 in 8 of the nation’s most disadvantaged children don’t own a single book.
National Literacy Trust 2017 2017

1.5M

Children will be left behind by 2025 if we don't act now. Last year a 1/4 of all children left primary education without being able to read.
Read on. Get on. Campaign 2014

1 in 4

People earning less than £10,000 were not functionally literate. In short, reading and poverty are directly linked.
Read on. Get on. Campaign 2014

1 in 4

1 in 4 eleven year olds leave primary school unable to read or write properly.
Fair Education Alliance Rpt Card 2014 2014

1 in 3

Parents never read their child a bedtime story. Bedtime reading has dropped by third in a generation due to stress and lack of time.
Littlewoods Study 2013

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.

VOLUNTEER NOW

What's New

Keep up to date with all of our latest news, blogs and newsletters.

SEE LATEST NEWS
July 5th 2022

The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Blogs

Children's Book The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
May 23rd 2022

Spring Newsletter ’22

Newsletters

June 7th 2022

The Big Give – Champions For Children

Campaigns

Little girl holding a book and smiling
June 14th 2021

Leading children’s authors join campaign to get children reading

Press

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.  

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Where we work

Doorstep Library currently runs 20 projects across five London boroughs – Camden, Ealing, Lambeth, Westminster and Hammersmith and Fulham. We also have an Online Reading Corner, for those families who fall outside our current postcodes. See below for more information on when and where we operate.
OUR PROJECTS