Ablaze Pop-Up Book Day Shop

Ablaze, an independent charity, is holding a free event for families on Saturday 15^th April in partnership with The Galleries to raise awareness of the benefits of reading with children. The Pop-Up Book Day will offer free fun for all ages, with a book swap, book readings on the hour for children and the chance to enter a poetry book cover design into a competition. Join Ablaze between 10 – 4pm at The Galleries on the middle floor (opposite the food court) and find out more about the charity’s work in Bristol.  

A recent survey by Book Trust revealed that shared reading between children and an adult (outside of school lessons) peaks at age three and then starts to decline. 96% of the families reported that it was important to them that their child reads, however only 33% said they see reading and books as a big part of their family life. It is clear there is a disconnect between the importance families place on reading and the steps they are able to take to make reading a regular part of everyday life.

Why is this a concern? Research shows that children who read with others are more likely to overcome disadvantage caused by inequality and live happier, healthier lives, experiencing better mental wellbeing and self-esteem. Reading for pleasure and shared reading also have a transformative impact on school attainment as well as personal development.

With over 17 years of experience working with local partners, Ablaze is rooted in the community. The charity brokers relationships between businesses and schools offering volunteering opportunities that help tackle inequality of opportunity for young people.

Reading Partners, one of Ablaze’s core programmes, matches business volunteers with pupils that need support with reading. Ablaze trains the volunteers who then read with children in local schools for 30 minutes once a week on a 1:1 basis, helping to give them the best chance to make the most of their education and go on to succeed in life.

Join Ablaze at the Pop-Up Book Day to share a book together and enjoy the pleasures of reading. Bring a book along to swap at the book swap (books for all ages available) and support your child’s future growth.

David Wait, Centre Manager at The Galleries said: ‘At The Galleries, supporting our local community is absolutely key, and we are delighted to be welcoming Ablaze into the centre during the Easter holidays. The event offers an exciting opportunity for families to come along and reignite their interest in reading.’

Ablaze is always keen to speak with businesses in Bristol looking for employee volunteering opportunities to build on their social value strategy. To find out more about our Reading or Number Partners, Career Mentoring, Employability skills programmes, or to make a donation, please visit their website.