Children can now discover a new way to find their next book and pass on one they have loved, as Every Child Our Future, supported by Butterfield Bank, introduces the Butterfield Book Box.
The Book Box is a simple take-a-book, leave-a-book scheme. It gives families the chance to choose a book to take home and enjoy, while donating one they have finished for another child to discover.
The Butterfield Book Box made its first appearance at de Gruchy’s Arcade last week. By sharing books in this way, stories that have been loved by one child can find a new home with another, giving more children the chance to discover the pleasure of reading.
The initiative forms part of Every Child Our Future’s 10th anniversary celebrations and its Big Jersey Read campaign, which aims to bring people together around the importance of children’s literacy and encourage more children across the island to develop a lifelong love of reading.
Cris Lakeman, CEO of Every Child Our Future, said: “We want to make reading accessible and something that children feel excited about. The Butterfield Book Box is a simple idea, but one that can have a wonderful impact. One child can discover a book they might never have chosen before, while another child gets the chance to pass on a story they have loved.
“We hope the Book Box will encourage families to share books, discover new stories and, most importantly, inspire more children to become lifelong readers.”
The Butterfield Book Box will remain at de Gruchy’s Arcade until Saturday 14 November. It will then move to St Helier Methodist Centre, where it will become a Lunar Library as part of ArtHouse Jersey’s Museum of the Moon exhibition. The Book Box will return to de Gruchy’s Arcade for the festive period from 30 November. However, this is just the beginning. Every Child Our Future plans to take the Book Box to venues across the island, giving families in different communities the chance to get involved.
Michelle Le Blond, Branch Manager of Butterfield Bank in Jersey, said: “We’re delighted to support Every Child Our Future with the Butterfield Book Box. Supporting the thriving communities in which we live and work is hugely important to us, and we’re proud to play a part in Every Child Our Future’s tenth anniversary celebrations and the Big Jersey Read.”
