People are being encouraged to buy books for children in families who may not be able to afford presents this Christmas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheffield Libraries and local bookshop La Biblioteka launched the Lord Mayor\u2019s Big Read this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lord Mayor Sioned-Mair Richards, 64, said more and more referrals are coming in for food banks across Sheffield as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mayor Richards said: \u201cIt\u2019s a worrying time for all so if we can do one small thing by gifting a book then there will be children who will have something to wake up to Christmas morning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Owner of La Biblioteka, Alex Maxwell, 36, said this was the first year the shop was working with the Lord Mayor and Sheffield Libraries.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Maxwell said: \u201cBooks are still of great value, we want to encourage the joy of reading for young children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The books can be purchased in-person and online after which they are distributed by the store to local libraries and food banks. For every book bought, the store will also donate another one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The launch is part of Lord Mayor Richards aim to encourage children to read more, as she also hosts reading sessions for school pupils at the Mayor\u2019s Parlour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mayor Richards said: \u201cEvery child should have a book this Christmas, once you can read it opens up the whole world for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the initiative each child is given a card which they can fill in once they\u2019ve read three books over the Christmas period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These cards can be given to a local library where the child will enter into a prize draw and have the chance of winning \u00a350 worth of book tokens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n