Book seller makes donation to schools
A local online book shop owner has donated more than £1300 worth of children’s books to primary schools around West Lothian.
Freya McShane, owner of the Little Lothian Bookshop, delivers all the donated books to primary schools around West Lothian, East Lothian, and Edinburgh by herself.
The mum-of-two from Ratho started selling children’s books online in November of 2020.
And she has so far gifted book sets to 20 local primary schools, including six in West Lothian.
Schools to receive a donation so far have been St Mary’s in Polbeth, East Calder Primary, Uphall Primary School, Harrysmuir Primary School in Livingston, Boghall Primary School in Bathgate and Simpson Primary School also in Bathgate.
Freya is an independent partner of book publisher Usborne - meaning she sells books from Usborne both online and in-person, at stalls in markets and at events.
With the help of the local community Freya has been able to donate the books to schools.
Several West Lothian businesses and individuals got in touch to support Freya’s drive.
Lothian All Star Football Academy, Soul Sister Sheila, Anne Korimboccus, Sarah Troy, EC Allsteps, Brett Mills, and Sonia Gentile-Mills all donated a book sent to a local primary school, supporting Freya’s campaign.
The campaign is ongoing, so any locals that wish to donate a book set to a primary school around West Lothian can contact Freya at https://www.facebook.com/ LittleLothianBookshop.
Freya said she had only intended to sell books shortterm. She added: “Selling books with Usborne started as just a thing I was doing on the side while I was on maternity leave.
“But I ended up enjoying it so much that I had to keep it going.
“My daughter loves that I have my own bookshop, especially because she and her brother get to choose free books.
“The delight on a child’s face when they find a new book they love just melts my heart and I’m so pleased that I’m able to help get more books into the hands of children.”