This week, Queen Camilla spoke passionately about the ‘joy’ that reading can bring to children as she hosted a special event to mark the 70th anniversary of Book Aid International, a leading UK book charity.

Held at St James’s Palace in London, the reception on 4 September was attended by around 100 guests, including the charity’s president Nigel Newton and Lady Caroline Simmonds, the daughter of its founder, Dame Anne Symonds.

Since becoming patron of Book Aid International in 2022, Queen Camilla has been a strong advocate for the charity’s mission to provide books to communities where reading materials are scarce.

At the event, she highlighted the importance of books in nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning.

“Reading has the power to open doors and bring joy, especially to children,” she said.

 

Over the past seven decades, Book Aid International has sent more than 37 million books to schools, libraries, prisons, and refugee camps around the world. These books serve as vital resources for those in need, providing opportunities for education, personal development, and escape through reading.

The charity’s president, Nigel Newton, expressed his gratitude for the continued support of the charity’s mission. Lady Caroline Simmonds, whose mother founded Book Aid International, reflected on the charity’s growth and its enduring commitment to spreading the joy of reading across the globe. She emphasised that the organisation’s efforts have helped countless children discover the magic of books and gain access to knowledge that would otherwise be out of reach.

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A commitment to literacy 

Queen Camilla’s involvement with Book Aid International is part of her broader commitment to literacy and education. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, she launched her own online book club, The Reading Room, to encourage people of all ages to find comfort and connection through literature. The initiative has become a popular platform for sharing book recommendations and discussing a diverse range of works, underscoring her passion for promoting reading.

At the anniversary event, Queen Camilla reiterated the importance of providing access to books for children and adults alike, particularly in under-resourced areas.

The ongoing impact of Book Aid International

By establishing libraries, creating children’s reading corners, and offering training to librarians and teachers, Book Aid International ensures that donated books have a lasting impact.

Instagram: @bookaidinternational

Their Generation Reader campaign aims, by 2030, to use the power of books and reading to help 10 million children and young people in Africa fulfil their dreams and unlock their potential.

For more information on how to support Book Aid International and help promote literacy for future generations, head to their website.

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