MAXIMIZE Education has launched a community-wide appeal to collect hundreds of children’s books to help introduce youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds to the joy of reading.
We’re encouraging residents, schools and local organisations to donate new or excellent-condition children’s books as part of its commitment to improving literacy and educational outcomes across Northumberland.
Maximize Education, which provides alternative education provision five days a week for students from across Northumberland at our base in Telford Court, Loansdean, alongside private evening tuition, is proudly supporting the National Year of Reading 2026 organised by the National Literacy Trust — a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire children to start reading early and make it part of their everyday lives.
Schools in the Morpeth area, as well as visitors attending Morpeth Book Festival over the weekend of March 21 and 22, are invited to donate books. Collection points have been set up at Maximize Education in Loansdean, Morpeth Library, Tesco in Kingston Park, Ashington Library, Blyth Library, Alnwick Library and Bedlington Library.
Gift for disadvantaged children
Books can include unwanted gifts, stories children have outgrown or brand-new titles — all of which will be gifted to disadvantaged children who may not otherwise have access to books.
All donations will be distributed through Children North East a charity delivering services and support to babies, children, young people and families, including life-changing services like mental health support, family intervention, community initiatives and youth peer groups. The charity opened its flagship shop in Morpeth in 2025, the first in its 130-year history. A further donation box will also be available at the shop on Bridge Street.
Maximize Education CEO Christine Jamieson, pictured left, said: “The North East faces significant levels of child deprivation, which can create barriers to children learning to read before they start school. We want to help address this challenge so that more children have equal access to reading and education.
“Children growing up in poverty often have fewer books at home and limited access to enrichment activities such as libraries, tutoring or extracurricular programmes. Developing early reading skills brings incredible benefits. It builds language skills, expands vocabulary, sparks imagination, enhances attention and cognitive ability, and helps children to do better at school. Being able to read has so many advantages and opens doors throughout life.”
Maximize Education praised for breaking down barriers
Leigh Elliott, Children North East Chief Executive, said: “At Children North East we work extensively to provide all children with the opportunities they deserve, regardless of their financial background. Through our Poverty Proofing(R) work within schools, culture settings and libraries we’ve seen how access to books and education can shape a child’s experiences of belonging at a young age and opens up another way for families to connect and share an activity together.
“We are happy to be able to support the work Maximize Education are doing to help break down the barriers between educational attainment and poverty.”
Start your educational journey with Maximize Education
Whether students need exam preparation or subject support, the service provides tuition across a broad range of subjects, adapting to the individual needs of students and helping them to achieve their academic goals.
Our dedicated team is available to assist you with enquiries regarding private tuition and alternative education options. We encourage you to reach out if you have any questions about our services or would like to discuss your specific needs. Providing the appropriate educational support for you or your student is our top priority, and we are committed to helping you achieve success.