Help a child discover a new favourite story
This World Book Day, you can do more than celebrate – you can inspire. Join us in spreading the joy of reading and empower a child to dream bigger.
Become a reading volunteer and help a child who is struggling to read, unlock a world of possibilities.
It’s World Book Day!
World Book Day celebrates the magic of stories and imagination.
Yet, one in four children in England leave primary school unable to read well, with children in disadvantaged communities most at risk — impacting their future jobs, mental health, and even life expectancy.
By fostering a love of reading, we can change their story.
As a reading volunteer, you’ll share stories and play games with a child aged 5 – 11 who needs support. Just one hour a week (online or face-to-face) can boost their confidence, help them catch up, and set them up for success in school and beyond.
Learn more about becoming a reading volunteer
Do something amazing and help a child discover a new favourite story.
Why become a Bookmark volunteer?
There are many reasons volunteers choose to share their time as a reading volunteer, including:
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Meaningful impact
You can help a child gain the reading skills and confidence they need to succeed
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Fits around you
It’s so flexible! You can volunteer at a time that suits you
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Flexible commitment
It’s only 30 minutes twice a week for six weeks
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Convenient options
Sessions can be done either online or face-to-face at one of our partner schools
Testimonials
Hear from the volunteers, teachers and children on the One-to-one Reading Programme.
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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 
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Even if one child is influenced to think “books are for me” or “I can do this” or “I do want to go to university and study English” – what an incredible difference to have made just by virtue of spending two half-hours a week with them.
Claire, Volunteer 
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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 
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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 
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I would say this is the BEST reading programme we have ever participated in. It allows the valuable one-to-one time to read, which staff in schools struggle to find in school. The volunteers are amazing, and the children truly love their sessions.
Teacher from one of our partner schools 
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Being a bit shy and easily disheartened to a child who is so happy to read and now tries even the tricky words.
Volunteer 
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The reading things you help us with makes us better at everything.
Child on the one-to-one reading programme 
Want to find out more?
Come along to an open session. We’ll talk through the benefits of volunteering, process for joining and provide more details on our reading programme. The sessions are delivered in Microsoft Teams.
