Book bank close to 13,000 donations since January

A woman who has been collecting books to distribute to schools in Coventry said she has collected almost 13,000 since beginning in January.

Maeve Walsh, also known as the Reading Doctor, started the book bank to ensure children could have access to books and take them home.

The educational consultant said she had been in touch with about 16 schools, but was aware there were plenty more to contact.

"I'll never say no to books," she said, adding that she planned to continue after being inspired by the children she helped.

She said she gathered books from the community and then donated them to city schools, dropping more than 1,000 to Frederick Bird Academy on Thursday.

"When it first started my intention was to have small library of books of approximately 100," she said.

"That first evening I started collecting, which was on 11 January, I'd got about 400 books and now we are edging towards 13,000 books that have been collected all across the city and gone straight out to schools again," Ms Walsh said.

She said she was very proud but felt she was still "scratching the surface".

"There's so many more schools that I haven't even spoken to yet that I know would appreciate the books.

"I've had parents contact me saying their child came home really excited," she said, adding: "That was just music to my heart so it's inspiration to just keep going."

Ms Holden from the Frederick Bird Academy said they welcomed the huge donation of books.

"We are so, so grateful. We can't believe the generosity of Maeve.

"The fact that every child in our school will go home tonight with a free gift is brilliant."

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