A COMMUNITY-wide appeal launched by Maximize Education has been met with an overwhelming response, with 5,000 children’s books donated to youngsters who need them most.
The book collection appeal was organised and sponsored by Maximize Education CEO Christine Jamieson as part of the National Literacy Trust’s National Year of Reading 2026 and aimed to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds discover the joy of reading.
Donations poured in from across Northumberland, with collection points at libraries, schools, businesses and Maximize Education’s headquarters in Loansdean, Morpeth, quickly filling with books
suitable for children of all ages.
Every donation will now be passed to Children North East, which will distribute the books through its community projects, ensuring they reach babies, children, young people and families who may otherwise have limited access to books at home.
Maximize Education, which provides alternative education provision for students from across Northumberland alongside private evening tuition, launched the appeal in response to research showing that children growing up in poverty often have fewer books at home, creating barriers to literacy and educational attainment before they even begin school.
The organisation says the success of the appeal demonstrates the generosity of local communities and the shared belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits that reading can bring.
Schools in the Morpeth area, as well as visitors attending Morpeth Book Festival in March, were invited to donate books. Collection points were also set up at Maximize Education, Morpeth Library, Tesco Extra in Kingston Park, Ashington Library, Blyth Library, Alnwick Library and Bedlington Library.
School children donated more than 3,000, library donations totalled more than 1,500, while Tesco collected more than 600. 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.
The book appeal was part of Maximize Education’s commitment to the National Literacy Trust’s National Year of Reading, which was launched by Queen Camilla. They also organised a writing competition and distributed more than 2,000 free copies of the winning story to children across Northumberland.
Maximize Education also sponsored a video of the story with downloadable teaching resources that are available at www.maximizeeducation.com
Maximize Education CEO Christine Jamieson said: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who donated. Whether someone gave one book or dozens, every contribution will help a child discover the magic of reading and the opportunities it can create.
“The kindness shown by our local communities has been remarkable. Schools, libraries, businesses and individuals all came together because they recognised that something as simple as a book can change a child’s future. It’s a wonderful reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites behind a common cause.
“We know that not every child grows up surrounded by books, and for some families, buying books simply isn’t affordable. These donations will help put stories into children’s hands, spark imaginations, build confidence and create memories that can last a lifetime.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to Children North East for helping us ensure these books reach the children and families who will benefit from them most. Together, we’ve created something that will have a lasting impact long after the final book has found its new home.”
Children North East CEO Leigh Elliott said: “The dedication and generosity shown by Maximize Education and the local community has been incredible and will make a significant difference to the babies, children, young people, and families we work with, helping to support their reading and language development.
“With far too many children growing up without access to books, it is wonderful to be involved in this initiative. We are proud to partner with this organisation and to be part of a campaign that will create lasting benefits for so many across the region.”