Free Books for UK Primary Schools | WeBuyBooks Little Readers

 

Helping Schools Access Free Books and Support Reading for Pleasure

The WeBuyBooks Little Readers Programme provides free books for schools, nurseries and educational settings across the UK. Following the success of the programme in Lancashire, we are excited to announce that the scheme will be expanding nationally throughout 2026. Designed to support literacy, reading for pleasure and school library development, the programme gives educational settings access to free children's books for schools while also promoting sustainability through the reuse of quality pre-loved books.

Why Free Books for Schools Matter

Reading is one of the most important skills a child can develop. Research consistently shows that children who read for pleasure achieve better educational outcomes, develop stronger vocabulary and communication skills, and are more likely to become confident lifelong learners. However, many schools are facing increasing budget pressures, making it difficult to invest in new reading resources. As a result, demand for book donations for schools and other literacy support initiatives continues to grow. The Little Readers Programme helps address this challenge by providing schools with additional books at no cost, helping teachers and school leaders create engaging reading environments without placing further strain on budgets.

Supporting School Libraries and Reading Areas

Once the books have been delivered, it is entirely up to the school what they do with them. So far, all the books that have been donated have been put to great use topping up the school library, refreshing classroom reading corners, creating take-home reading packs, providing a World Book Day gift and in some cases even topping up the school’s book vending machine! Whether used in a library, classroom or dedicated reading space, these free books for schools help encourage children to read more often and discover books they enjoy.

The Impact So Far

Since relaunching in 2023, the Little Readers Programme has donated thousands of books to schools across Lancashire, supporting more than 4000 children and helping schools strengthen their literacy provision.

So far, we have donated to the following schools: 

• Britannia Community Primary School, Bacup
• Sharneyford Primary School, Bacup
• Northern Primary School, Bacup
• Crawshawbooth Primary School, Rossendale
• Balladen Primary School, Rossendale
• Newchurch St Nicholas C.E. Primary School
• All Saints Roman Catholic High School
• Valley Leadership Academy, Bacup
• Chantlers Primary school, Bury
• St Marys Primary School, Manchester
• St Mary's CE Primary School, Rawtenstall
• St James the Less Primary School, Rawtenstall
• Broadway Primary School, Haslingden
• St Mary's RC Primary School, Haslingden
• Rossendale Little Free Libraries Network

The positive response from schools has demonstrated the value of providing free children's books for schools and the impact that even modest additions to reading resources can have on pupil engagement.

A National School Literacy Programme for 2026

In 2026, WeBuyBooks will begin expanding the Little Readers Programme across the United Kingdom, making it possible for schools nationwide to benefit from book donations for schools.

The programme aligns with schools' literacy strategies by helping to:

• Promote reading for pleasure
• Improve access to age-appropriate books
• Enhance school library provision
• Support Early Years and Primary literacy development
• Encourage a positive reading culture throughout the school

As a business committed to reuse and sustainability, WeBuyBooks is proud to support schools while giving pre-loved books a meaningful second life.

Apply for Free Books for Your School

If you represent a primary school, nursery, academy, multi-academy trust or other educational setting and are looking for free books for schools, we encourage you to apply to the WeBuyBooks Little Readers Programme. Together, we can improve access to books, strengthen literacy provision and inspire more children to develop a lifelong love of reading. Visit our Little Readers application page to find out more and submit your application.

Apply to Little Readers Programme        

   

Other Ways to Support Schools and Hospitals

Donating books to school is just one of many ways to support early years learning, check out some of the websites below that support learning in other ways nationwide and globally. 

School-Home Support 

School-Home Support provides crucial support to children and their families to overcome obstacles and unlock the opportunity for success. 

School Angel - PTA and School Fundraising Charity

School Angel provides much-needed support and funding to UK schools, with the aim of advancing the education and physical well-being of children.

Save the Children UK | International Children's Charity 

Save the Children is a huge charitable organisation with the goal of giving as many children as possible all over the world access to education.

Books2Africa | Educating People, Saving the Planet 

Books2Africa is a charity that is devoted to achieving two goals, promote the recycling and re-use of books and secondly improve the quality of education in Africa. 

Right to Succeed | Right to Succeed

 Right to Succeed is an organisation that is focused on facilitating the best possible start in life to children and young people. 

 

All these charities and organisations do an excellent job of supporting children and young people in their education, but they can always use more help from us. 

We endeavour to continue our Little Readers programme, providing books and reading materials to Schools, Nurseries and Hospitals in the UK. If you belong to one of these organisations then please visit our Little Readers application page to claim your own donation of books.