Manchester Christmas book gift appeal open for 2023- here’s how to give the gift of reading this year

Christmas is just around the corner, and many of us will be working our way through gift lists. If you are struggling to buy for a family member of a friend, then a new option may have just come available. 

The Manchester Christmas book gift appeal gives you the chance to send money towards buying books for children in Manchester. The person you are buying for will then know that their gift has gone towards helping local children enjoy reading. 

During last year’s festive period alone the book gifting campaign distributed more than 10,000 books to 89 of the city’s community organisations. They, in turn, distributed the books to children and families at one of the many events and parties, including Santa visits, that were put on for families.

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said: “As we approach Christmas we know that many families will face some tough challenges as the cost of living crisis continues and buying presents or new books may not be top of their priority list. But this really makes a difference so, for those who can afford to donate even a small amount to our book gifting appeal, they can be assured that they are contributing to our children’s futures as we know that children who read do better at school and have more opportunities in life as they grow older.

“By donating to our book gifting appeal today – whatever you can afford – you will be giving the gift of reading to Manchester children and families, struggling to make ends meet.”

Brendan O’Shea, Chair of Manchester Central Library Development Trust said: “We know many families are still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, but it’s important, more than ever, to help those far less fortunate than ourselves who can really benefit from our goodwill. Just £10 could provide two brand new books for children that really need them this Christmas.”

The 2023 campaign is open now. To donate, visit the campaign’s JustGiving website.