Pre-loved books donated in Fife raise £25,000 to boost literacy

A Dunfermline company has raised £25,000 for a campaign to support literacy.

Better World Books has generated the cash for the Scottish Book Trust, which aims to offer everyone the chance to thrive through reading and writing.

The socially-minded company collects second-hand books and donates a portion of its sales to the trust.

It has 11 book banks in Fife Council recycling centres and book banks at Edinburgh University in East Lothian.

Books are also collected from libraries and charity shops.

Victoria Sampson, the trust’s fundraising manager, said: “Scottish Book Trust’s mission is to ensure that everyone in Scotland has the same opportunity to thrive through reading and writing.

“We couldn’t achieve half of what we do without supporters like the brilliant Better World Books, whose generosity has helped us to open doors to opportunities for thousands of people.

“As a charity, we rely on donations and funding from individuals, companies, trusts and foundations, and government to deliver our programmes.”

Fiona Marshall, of Better World Books, said: “Our goal is to support literacy and the environment by finding new homes for pre-loved books.

“Working with Scottish Book Trust and other literacy charities ensures the funding we generate through book sales is used in the best possible way to improve literacy.

“Since 2008 we have raised more than £2.5 million for literacy and libraries, and re-used or recycled over 29 million books. Together we’re helping to make a difference one book at a time.”