Appeal launched to provide free books in Exeter’s community warm spaces

Published: 30 October 2023

Exeter City of Literature is running a fundraising campaign to raise money to purchase new books that will be sent to designated Warm Spaces in Exeter and Devon.

The campaign will run from 30 October to 16 February. Warm spaces will include community centres, churches and parish halls.

In England, 5.1 million adults lack the literacy skills expected of an 11-year-old. Exeter has six Wards that have significant literacy need, according to the National Literacy Trust.

Exeter City of Literature say the literacy gap creates significant obstacles to social mobility, and its aims to change this with its Book Nooks in Warm Spaces campaign.

It has a track record for making books and reading accessible and fun - from free book tokens for bibliotherapy sessions to the Penguin Books Vending Machine at Exeter St David’s Station.

Exeter City of Literature is appealing for people to support it in providing free books to neighbours and communities in Devon.

The scheme is simple. When people donate, Exeter City of Literature’s experts select books based on community need and interests, the books are the bought and distributed to selected community warm spaces to provide free books for people to read.

To make a donation to the Book Nooks in Warm Spaces campaign visit Exeter City of Literature’s donation page.