A national book gifting charity has officially launched its Liverpool programme at Anfield Stadium today, celebrating the city’s national year of reading and marking a major step forward in expanding access to books and inspiring a lifelong love of reading among children and young people across the city.

The launch event, hosted with the support of the Liverpool FC Foundation at Anfield Stadium, welcomed lead staff from participating primary schools, alongside representatives from the Liverpool Learning Partnership and the National Literacy Trust and a special appearance from Mighty Red.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool formally announced the charity’s launch in the city, celebrating Liverpool’s commitment to literacy and highlighting the powerful role that reading for pleasure plays in improving confidence, attainment, and future opportunity for young people.

The charity’s first programme in the city gives schools picture books and resources to put on celebratory events where every child has the opportunity to browse, choose, and take home books of their own, many for the very first time - helping to build personal libraries and strengthen reading habits beyond the classroom. These events are designed to spark excitement, curiosity, and ownership, turning reading into a shared celebration and helping young people to see themselves as readers.

Wendy Napier, Schools Manager at Liverpool FC Foundation, said:"We are proud to support this inspiring initiative that puts books directly into the hands of young people across Liverpool. Reading is a powerful tool that helps build confidence, creativity and opportunity, and we are delighted to facilitate powerful book gifting experiences that encourage children to discover the joy of reading."

Liberty Venn, CEO at the Children’s Book Project, said:

“Reading in childhood is transformative for families and is a cornerstone of every child’s development. We’re absolutely thrilled to launch in Liverpool this week with a long-term commitment to local partners and schools to build on the exciting work already underway here.”

With thousands of books set to reach young people each year, the initiative is expected to increase reading for pleasure, strengthen literacy skills, and give children the confidence to see reading as something that belongs to them. By bringing together schools, civic leaders, literacy organisations and academic partners, the programme creates a powerful, city-wide commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to own and enjoy books of their own.

The Liverpool launch marks an important milestone in the charity’s national expansion, demonstrating what is possible when schools, community partners, and national organisations work together to create lasting change for young readers. Applications from schools across the city to receive books are welcomed at the charity’s website: www.childrensbookproject.co.uk