A community-wide children’s books appeal launched by a Morpeth education provider has been met with an overwhelming response.

The initiative was organised and sponsored by Maximize Education CEO Christine Jamieson as part of the National Literacy Trust’s National Year of Reading 2026.

Aiming to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds discover the joy of reading, more than 5,000 suitable books have been donated.

Donations poured in from across Northumberland – with collection points at libraries, schools, businesses and Maximize Education’s headquarters in Loansdean.

Christine Jamieson, second from right, and Children North East representatives with a set of donated books.

placeholder image — Christine Jamieson, second from right, and Children North East representatives with a set of donated books.

The books will now be passed to the Children North East charity, which will distribute them through its community projects to ensure they reach babies, children, young people and families who may otherwise have limited access to books at home.

Maximize Education, which provides alternative education provision for students from across Northumberland alongside private evening tuition, launched the appeal in response to research showing that children growing up in poverty often have fewer books at home.

Christine said: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who donated. Whether someone gave one book or dozens, every contribution will help a child discover the magic of reading and the opportunities it can create.

“The kindness shown by our local communities has been remarkable. Schools, libraries, businesses and individuals all came together because they recognised that something as simple as a book can change a child’s future.

Maximize Education CEO Christine Jamieson with just some of the books that have been collected.

“It’s a wonderful reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites behind a common cause.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to Children North East for helping us ensure these books reach the children and families who will benefit from them most.

Schools in the Morpeth area, as well as visitors attending the Morpeth Book Festival in March, were invited to donate books. Collection points were also set up at Maximize Education, Morpeth Library, Tesco Extra in Kingston Park, Ashington Library, Blyth Library, Alnwick Library and Bedlington Library.

School children donated more than 3,000 and library donations totalled more than 1,500, while Tesco collected more than 600.

Children North East CEO Leigh Elliott said: “The dedication and generosity shown by Maximize Education and the local community has been incredible and will make a significant difference to the babies, children, young people and families we work with, helping to support their reading and language development.”