Formed in 2015 ‘The BIG Little Library by Gateacre School’ allows the community to share their favourite books.
The school created a shop full of books donated by residents, businesses, students and the wider community and give them away all year round. Since opening they’ve welcomed over 100,000 customers and given away over 400 books per week, over 150,000 in seven years.
This year's Book Flood begins Saturday, December 3 and they’re still looking for book donations. The idea came about from wanting to help improve literacy within the community and the Belle Vale shop is open Monday - Saturday, 10 - 4pm.
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Also, more than 40 Liverpool primary schools will receive 'advent book boxes' consisting of 24 individually wrapped pre loved books. Children can open one each day throughout December with their class, all wrapped by Gateacre students, staff and BIG Little Library volunteers.
Lisa Mitchell, manager of the The BIG Little Library told the ECHO: “The books are for babies to adults. We hope not only will this event help ease the monetary pressure of Christmas, but also start a tradition with families and friends to give and receive books at Christmas and spread the love of reading for pleasure.
"We want to get as many children as possible excited about reading this festive season. In The Belle Vale Shopping Centre, each customer will be given a free brand-new book, for them to pass to a loved one on Christmas Eve".
Sophie Kay, aged 14 added: “It’s such a great opportunity to get free books, especially at Christmas. It’s lovely to be able to read together and a brilliant tradition to start.
“It will also help younger kids with their reading. It’s great to have a free bookshop so close to school. It’s so good we don’t have to spend money on them and get to keep them forever."
Local, national publishers and authors donated brand new books of all ages to The BIG Little Library and they wish to thank: Arts Groupie, Book Trust, Comics Youth, Liverpool Learning Partnership, National Literacy Trust, News From Nowhere, Skywriters, Splitperspectivz and Walker Books.
Gateacre school aims to ensure all their young people become great learners by providing an outstanding education, in an environment that is warm, friendly and caring. They see it as very important for any school to build strong relationships with its local community.
Since moving in September 2011 to a purpose built building they have become more integral to the surrounding area. This has led to stronger links with local community groups, primary schools, shops and residents.
For information about donate books email Lisa Mitchell on l.mitchell@gateacre.org or follow The Big Little Library on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
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