About us

BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity. We are dedicated to getting children reading. Each year we reach millions of children across the UK with books, resources and support to help develop a love of reading.

We get children reading in lots of different ways, but our priority is to get more children excited about books, rhymes and stories – because if reading is fun, children will want to do it. We run nationwide programmes – like our flagship programme Bookstart. We reach millions of families across the country each year with books, resources and advice to encourage parents and carers to start reading with their babies right from the beginning.

Much of our focus is on early years because we’ve learnt that starting early and involving the whole family is the best way to get children reading. We also work with schools to support teachers and school librarians to get children and young people excited about books and reading.

We want all families to have access to reading, which is why we also deliver more targeted programmes aimed at helping those who need us most – whether that’s families facing economic hardship, children in care or children with additional needs.

We want every child to have the best possible start in life. It’s why we’re so passionate about getting children reading.

Our work is funded by Arts Council England, as well as BookTrust’s partners and donors.

Reading Together

Discover our four proposals

The Next Chapter - our strategy

There’s never been a more urgent time for us to inspire a new generation of children on their reading journeys. The Next Chapter sets out how we will get every child reading, regularly and by choice, so they can reap the lifechanging benefits of reading.

Find out more

More about BookTrust

Governance

Find out more about our governance team, including our senior leadership team, our trustees, our patron and our president. Our Chair and Board of Trustees hold overall responsibility for the charity’s activities and its assets; ensuring legal and charitable compliance and efficient use of resources.

BookTrust affiliates

Find out where our Bookstart programme has inspired other national and regional early years bookgifting schemes in the past two decades. International interest in Bookstart continues to grow and new programmes are starting in various countries.

Our commitment to diversity, inclusivity and equality

Find out about BookTrust's commitment to embed and promote diversity, inclusivity and equality in all that we do, to deliver real and lasting change for children.

Work with BookTrust

Looking for a rewarding and meaningful job in the charity sector? BookTrust is the UK’s leading children’s reading charity. We work to inspire a love of reading in children as we know that it can transform lives. See all the latest vacancies and find out how you could join the team at BookTrust.

Contact Us

Find out how to contact BookTrust in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As well as how to contact us regarding fundraising, book reviews, Press and how to get in touch with our Chief Executive.

Benefits of reading

Download our interactive tool to find out about the incredible benefits of reading for pleasure, based on the findings of academic studies.

Download now (PDF)

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100 best children's books

Explore our list

Check out our list of the 100 best books for children from the last 100 years: the ultimate booklist to read before you're 14.

Become a Friend

Open the magical world of books

Help us make a difference to children throughout the UK. We can all do a bit more when we're supported by our Friends.

Why reading matters

How we make a difference

BookTrust supports children and families to experience the joy of reading and its associated benefits through our programmes and activities.

Become a BookTrust Friend today

Give the gift of reading from just £3 a month

Open the magical world of books to children

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