About us

BookTrust is the UK's largest children's reading charity with a history that stretches back over 100 years. Each year we get millions of children reading, especially those from low-income families or vulnerable backgrounds.

We operate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and have long-term partnership agreements in place with every local authority in England and Wales. Our sister charity, Scottish Book Trust, supports families in Scotland.

Our core work supports children and families from low-income and vulnerable backgrounds, particularly in the early years. We also provide books and resources for every newborn baby through our Bookstart programme; we work with school children until the age of 13 and showcase the very best in children's literature.

Our research and evaluation capabilities are focused on understanding the life-changing benefits of reading and families' attitudes and behaviours. This work informs our design and innovation approach which shows how to create sustained reading behaviours in families. 

We have expertise in commissioning books and resources and supply chain management, distributing millions of books and resources efficiently every year.

BookTrust provides support to the Waterstones Children's Laureate, which is in its 25th year.

We are one of Arts Council England's National Portfolio Organisations. Our headquarters are in Leeds and we have offices in London, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as staff across the country.