Poor literacy levels amongst the most disadvantaged children in London are shocking. One in four children leave primary school unable to read or write properly. 40% of 11 year olds from inner London schools have reading ages of between 6 – 9 years old when they start secondary school. One in three children don’t have access to books in their homes.
Poor reading skills are inextricably linked to economic disadvantage and reduced life chances. For various reasons, children from the poorest families are less likely to have books, less likely to read with their parents and less likely to read for pleasure. Not only are they more likely to fall behind in their studies as a result, they fall behind in their lives.
We believe in the power of words to take children places not just in their imagination, but in their lives. We want to see a world where all children can thrive in homes in which books are celebrated and a love of reading is embraced.
“Words take you places” is the central belief behind everything we do at Doorstep Library . We are dedicated to bringing the gift of books and the joy of reading into the homes of families across London who need our support, reading with them and their children to inspire a love of books, of stories and storytelling, and to instil a lifelong passion for reading.
Equipped with a reading stool and a supply of books, our volunteers are right on the doorstep, ready to use books to fuel children’s natural love of stories, fire their imaginations, and encourage their appreciation of reading. Our goal is using the power of a love of reading to help each child develop the self-confidence and essential skills they need to access all the opportunities that will come their way in life. Whether in person, or online, we are there to support children and families who need us most.
The organisation has gone from strength to strength. Now in our 10th year we have just expanded into our 4th London borough and launched our new Online Reading Corner – using technology to bring our unique service to even more children and families.
