A Book for Every Child: London Public Library’s annual holiday fundraiser

A donation box for the London Public Library 'A Book for Every Child' campaign. (Source London Public Library)

Since 1992, the London Public Library has held an annual ‘A Book for Every Child’ fundraising campaign, dedicated to distributing new books to children across London who would otherwise not own their own book. This year, the campaign is looking to raise $18,000 in donations and books. It’s a number that Ellie Contursi, the supervisor of Spriet Family Children’s Library, expects to be able to reach:

I don’t have an exact number, but people are being generous. We are also getting physical donations of books —so not just monetary— and it’s been going well. We’ve packed approximately 5,228 books and distributed them to schools and agencies.

For distribution, Contursi explains that the criteria is simple: if the agencies provide assistance to children or teens, they are able to request and receive books to hand out. Being able to provide children with their own book is the only goal, and Contursi says that the library won’t turn away any agency, so long as they can be sure the books will be going to children in need.

Being able to purchase new books to donate is easier as well, with the London Chapters, Coles, and Indigo bookstores offering a 20% discount for all books purchased for the campaign, with Oxford Book Shop and The Book Store at Western University Community center also participating. Those wanting to donate are able to purchase and leave the book donations in store to be picked up and delivered.

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The dedicated campaign for ‘A Book for Every Child’ will be coming to an end on December 10th, but Contursi urges that charity and volunteer work will always be welcome. With COVID-19 restrictions still keeping in-person events off of the library’s current schedule, Contursi hopes that January will bring with it the chance to revisit what the libraries in London are able to do. As of now, they do offer virtual programs for kids, as well as takeaway craft kits that are available over holiday breaks and school PA days.