The charity, which supplies more than one million new books each year to people with limited access to reading materials, has opened a major warehouse in Cheney Manor. It became fully operational in October and now stores more than 350,000 books ready for shipment to education projects overseas.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, visited the site to see the operation and meet the team running the new hub. The move aligns with the Council’s focus on improving literacy across the Borough.
Book Aid International says the relocation will allow it to increase the volume of donated books it can handle, boost distribution capacity and support more schools, libraries and learning programmes internationally. A team of local staff and volunteers has already been appointed.
Chief Executive Alison Tweed said the charity had been warmly received in the town.
Alison Tweed, Chief Executive of Book Aid International, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Councillor Robbins to our new warehouse in Swindon. This move has already strengthened our ability to reach readers who have few opportunities to access books, and our new team is working hard to prepare shipments for our partners across the world.
Swindon has given us a warm welcome and we look forward to becoming an active part of the community.”
Councillor Robbins said the work taking place in Swindon highlighted the charity’s importance.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“Seeing Book Aid International’s work taking place here in Swindon was inspiring.
Literacy is a vital skill that opens doors for young people and helps create opportunities for everyone, which is central to our vision for a fairer Swindon.
“The charity’s decision to expand here shows real confidence in our town and supports our Swindon Plan commitment to attract new investment, create good jobs and strengthen our local economy.
“I am proud that this global effort to improve access to books and learning is being driven from right here in Swindon.”
Book Aid International estimates its annual distributions give around 21 million people the opportunity to read. It says the new Swindon warehouse will play a central role in helping that work expand.
