Charity to gift books through food banks as parents cut back in cost of living crisis

The Scottish Book Trust is to gift books through food banks after research found over half of parents said they are are too expensive.

The same study, carried out by the National Literacy Trust, also found that one in five children do not have a book of their own at home.

Parents are being forced to prioritise food and bills as the country suffers under a cost of living crisis – meaning some non-essentials like books are being left behind.

To help combat this, Scottish Book Trust is to start gifting books to children and families in need this winter, funded by its Christmas campaign.

Household favourite Mog the cat, created by Judith Kerr, is the friendly face of the campaign, helping the charity put its books into food banks across the country.

A spokesman confirmed it also works with hospitals, local authorities and library services.

Helping families bond and children develop

Research carried out by the charity found that books help families bond, as well as giving children a sense of escapism and improving their mental health and wellbeing.

Marc Lambert, chief executive of Scottish Book Trust, said: “This Christmas is looking very stark for so many families across Scotland.

“Access to books is essential for a child’s development. Without books at home children are missing out and we know the impact of this lasts a lifetime. The simple pleasure of owning a book can make a huge difference in children’s lives, bringing comfort, escapism and togetherness in families.”

You can donate to the charity’s Christmas campaign here.