25 Sep 2024
Local insurance company Howden St Albans has launched a book exchange to promote the joy of reading this autumn.
The exchange offers a focal point for the local community to donate, swap or pick up books, and Howden will even have some activity packs to giveaway (whilst stocks last).
To kickstart the local exchange, the company is giving away free copies of children’s books, including Kay’s Brilliant Brains, The Worst Class in the World in Danger, and A Dragon Real Adventure.
Branch manager Eric Juster said: “People may wonder why an insurance broker is campaigning about reading, but we believe in the power of insurance as a force for good. We’re passionate about caring for our clients, our community and the causes that matter to them.
“Reading has huge benefits, developing our vocabulary and writing skills, social awareness, and critical thinking abilities. There are well-documented correlations between reading, attainment, and long-term outcomes in life. But accessing books can be a real challenge for many people, especially in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis.”
More children who receive free school meals reported that they didn’t have a book of their own in 2023, compared to the prior year. More than one in three parents who were struggling financially said they had to buy fewer books for their children. Only 60 per cent of school pupils met the expected reading standard in 2023. While this was a one per cent improvement on the previous year, there is still room
to improve.
The Howden’s team prides itself on using their collective power to support local people and the St Albans community.
If you would like to collect, exchange, or donate books, pop into the St Albans branch at 66 London Road, or ring 01727 854525 and speak with a member of the team.
