As a child, cultural historian and writer Sofia Ake l often stayed at the local library." The library near the East London estate(庄园) where I grew up was where I developed my interest in reading as a child," she said.
Akel soon realized that many people couldn't afford books. Later, she started the Free Books Campaign, an organization with the goal of giving books to those who can't buy them." We've donated(捐赠)6,000 books to people in the UK and Ireland so far," Akel said.
The organization is funded by donations, and anyone càn request a book they'd like to read. Akel believes that reading should be something that everyone can take part in." Without the library, my worldview, my imagination, and my vocabulary would have been reduced," she continued.
In its third year of operation, the Campaign held the Free Books Festival in Peckham, Southeast London. Over a weekend, they gave away about 3,000 books.
Estelle, a biochemistry graduate, went to the festival with her friends." It's important that events like this exist," she said." With events like this, it means I'm able to enjoy my love for reading and find new books." When asked about her book selections, Estelle said,"I chose Good Intentions by Kasim Ali.I got my book signed by him during the event. It was very exciting because I'd never met the author of a book I'd read in person."
Data suggests that accessing books at a library has become increasingly challenging. According to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), library book stocks.(储存) reduced by 11 per cent across England, Wales and Scotland between 2021 and 2022. So organizations like the Free Books Campaign are making a huge difference in the lives of many people around the world.
