Doorstep Library

Who we are

We are Doorstep Library. We are a community-focused charity dedicated to bringing the magic  of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children across London who need our support.

Our work is concentrated in areas where we know opportunities for reading are restricted – there may be limited access to books in the home or language barriers may be preventing parents or guardians from being able to provide additional reading support to the children in their care. Our unique home-based service means we are there in person, finding the most appropriate books for every child we visit and building a relationship with the whole family.

Equipped with a reading stool and a supply of books, our volunteers are right there on the doorstep, in person or online, ready to help. We use books to fuel children’s natural love of stories, fire their imaginations, and encourage their appreciation of reading. Our ultimate goal is to help them develop the self-confidence and essential skills they need to access all the opportunities that will come their way in life.  Our projects not only improve literacy and confidence in children, but also increase family wellbeing and bonding through the joy of sharing stories. Our impact is long-lasting.

For us, the ‘happy ever after’ is when we know the power of literacy and the joy of reading are helping a child change their own story for good.

Every story shared is a story changed.

Vision, mission, values

Our Vision is - All children thriving in homes where the love of reading is embraced.

Values

1.  Be Passionate - Everyone at Doorstep Library loves books.

2.Be Humble - We are honoured to be able to bring our service into the home environment.

3.Be Relatable - Everyone should feel comfortable in our presence.

4.  Be Ambitious - We are confident in our purpose, our model and in our team. 

Aiming for Inclusion so that no-one is left behind

Our approach is Child centred with active parent involvement

Aiming for Learning through reading as a means to realise aspirations

Our approach is Low key, friendly and fun

Involving Support from wider community and volunteers

Mission

Supporting children experiencing disadvantage to become keen and confident readers;

Supporting parents to take an active role in reading for pleasure with their children;

Supporting families to connect to a wider range of cultural, social and support services.