Spread the joy of reading!
We’re thrilled to partner with The Book Fairies to help children discover the joy of reading, one book at a time.
Find out how you can change a child’s life story by becoming a reading volunteer.
Bookmark and The Book Fairies sprinkle the magic of reading nationwide
At Bookmark, we’re on a mission to help every child discover the joy of reading.
Books have the power to change lives. To inspire, to educate and to open new worlds for readers. We want to make reading fun, accessible and impactful, especially for children at risk of falling behind.
So, we’ve teamed up with The Book Fairies to work their magic and hide The Story Corner magazine in nooks and crannies across the country – over 50 copies are out there waiting to spark imaginations!
We want every child to read
Through programmes like The Story Corner magazine and our One-to-one Reading Programme, we’re working to create a world where all children can unlock their full potential through literacy.
More than one in four children in England are leaving primary school unable to read well, holding them back in the classroom and beyond. These children are more likely to go on to experience unemployment, poor mental health and even a shorter life expectancy.
By fostering a love of reading, we can change the story for children, equipping them with the reading skills they need for a brighter future.
Join us and make 2025 a year of new beginnings and endless possibilities for a child who needs your support.
Become a reading volunteer
You can help a child build the confidence and reading skills they need to thrive inside the classroom and beyond.
Volunteering with us is simple, flexible and incredibly meaningful.
Enjoy fun, 30 minute one-to-one reading sessions where you can read stories and play games with a child aged 5 – 11. You don’t need any previous experience – we provide all of the training and resources you’ll need.
Just one hour a week can change a child’s story.
-
Flexible commitment
It’s only 30 minutes twice a week for six weeks
-
Fits around you
It’s so flexible! You can volunteer at a time that suits you
-
Convenient options
Sessions can be done either online or face-to-face at one of our partner schools
-
Meaningful impact
You can help a child gain the reading skills and confidence they need to succeed
Become a Bookmark reading volunteer
Are you interested in learning more about volunteering with Bookmark?
Testimonials
Hear from the volunteers and children on the programme.
-
I've found it so rewarding and feel honoured to be able to spend my time in their company - I'm learning a lot about some things I might have taken for granted! It has been a great pleasure.
Volunteer 
-
I like reading with my volunteer because they can help me have a try and I can get smarter.
Child on the one-to-one reading programme 
-
For those 30 minutes with a child you feel like you're making a positive impact and helping them in some small way on their important journey of education, self-esteem and confidence.
Volunteer 
-
The reading things you help us with makes us better at everything.
Child on the one-to-one reading programme 
The Story Corner magazine!
Our termly magazine is full of diverse stories and fun activities for children aged 5 – 11. It’s designed especially for children who might not have books of their own at home, helping them discover the magic of reading.
Discover more from us
-
The Story Corner Magazine archive
Read and download previous issues of Bookmark’s The Story Corner magazine and engage children by igniting the joy of reading.
-
Volunteer with Bookmark
Learn about volunteering opportunities at Bookmark, including roles as a reading volunteer, corporate volunteer or reading mentor.
-
Programmes, Grants & Resources
Learn about our programmes, grants and resources for schools, including one-to-one reading, book packs, teaching materials and funding.
You can be a book fairy too!
Anyone can be a book fairy. Book fairies are people who, once they’ve finished reading a good book, want a unique and fun way to pass it on to the next person. They put an official book fairy sticker on it and they hide it in public to be found.