How we work
Four steps, from identifying a school to keeping the library thriving
Our volunteer network sources books locally from donations and book collection points. We sort, index and store them ready for the next project.
- 01
Identifying the right schools
We use the Index of Multiple Deprivation as our guide. Our current focus in the South East is Hounslow, Feltham and the surrounding area. We then layer on Pupil Premium Grant % and Free School Meal % to identify candidate schools, and work with local authorities and head teacher groups to pinpoint specific ones.
- 02
Project scoping
We contact the Head of School to discuss what they have today, their literacy strategy and their ambitions for reading for pleasure. If we're aligned, we move to an on-site review to look at the space in detail and put together a budget and plan.
- 03
Library creation
Sourcing books is a constant background activity — we keep a logistics store of books ready for the next project. Creation begins with room design and decoration, followed by shelving and furniture installation. Finally we set up the system on Libresoft so children and parents can browse from home, reserve books and leave reviews.
- 04
Ongoing support
We find and train the volunteers who'll run the library, work closely with them through set-up and the first few months, then meet with the teaching team and Head Librarian every term to review usage data and share best practice.
Is my school a fit?
For heads of school and members of the leadership team
If most of these sound like you, get in touch and we'll explore whether your school could be next.
- You're in an area of book poverty
- You don't have a lending library with current books
- You have a passion for getting children to read for pleasure
- You're willing to engage in a long-term project
- You're keen to develop a reading culture at your school
- You're willing to engage parents and carers in running the library