Manchester Central Library Development Trust, the charity that supports the educational and cultural activities of Manchester Libraries, has launched a new urgent cash appeal on justgiving.com to 
help get brand new books to children and families.
Helping children to love reading is crucial to developing literacy skills, wellbeing and life chances. Reading is the foundation for success and employment. It enables children to succeed at school, helps them develop broader skills, and leads to healthier, happier lives. Read Manchester and Manchester Libraries work tirelessly to improve literacy and life chances.
But there is still urgent work to be done. The cost of living crisis has plunged a rising number of families into deeper poverty than ever before and, for an increasing number, new books for their children are beyond reach. We know how much children benefit from the opportunity to really engage with reading, but books are becoming increasingly difficult to buy for an increasing number of families, when putting food on the table and heating the home are bigger challenges. This dire situation will only worsen as winter bites.