An Oxford-based communications agency has launched a book donation campaign aimed at inspiring schoolchildren to read, following growing concerns over declining literacy levels among young people.
Fortitude Communications has partnered with literacy charity Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) to encourage the public to donate good quality paperback books suitable for readers of all abilities aged between three and 11.
Donations can be dropped off at the agency’s headquarters in Cowley as part of celebrations marking National Storytelling Week. Books will be accepted until Friday, March 13.
The campaign was launched after recent national research highlighted a significant drop in children’s engagement with reading.
A 2025 survey by the National Literacy Trust found that just one in three young people aged eight to 18 enjoy reading in their free time, representing a 36 per cent decline over the past 20 years.
Separate research by early years charity Kindred Squared revealed that 28 per cent of children begin primary school unable to use a book correctly, with more than half of primary school staff citing children’s use of electronic devices as the biggest factor affecting school readiness.
Greig Box Turnbull, founder of Fortitude Communications, said: “Reading is a joy and inspires and broadens the mind. It is vital to the development and prospects of children and it’s a profound tragedy many schools now don’t think students can even read a full novel anymore.
“It is an alarming trend, as a team at Fortitude we all share a passion for storytelling and a deep appreciation of reading and felt compelled to do something to celebrate books and encourage youngsters to read.
“ARCh was the perfect partner for us, its long championed encouraging children to read and proactively inspires hundreds to actively enjoy reading.
“National Storytelling Week is a great opportunity to encourage more young people – and parents – to pick up a book. Our team will be collecting all types of books in the coming weeks, and to anyone who can support our campaign we’d love to hear from you.”
Based in Bicester, ARCh works with volunteers to provide one-to-one reading support for primary school children who struggle with literacy. In 2025, the charity supported 910 children across 111 Oxfordshire schools with the help of 301 volunteers.
Elaine Adams, joint founder and CEO of ARCh, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Fortitude for their continued commitment to supporting ARCh.
“Building on their previous work with us, their plans to bring people together through a book donation collection and to create a new professional video showcasing our impact reflect a shared belief in the power of reading.
“This support will help us reach more children and families and inspire a lasting love of books.”
The book collection also coincides with the National Year of Reading 2026, with Fortitude additionally committing to produce a professional video highlighting ARCh’s work and impact.
