Hello,

You've likely come to this page because you've discovered a book that the Edinburgh Book Fairy left as a gift for you to find!

I have had the great privilege of growing up with a family who encouraged my love of reading. Never telling me what I should or should not be reading. I spent a lot of time in my local library as a child where I learned about Greek mythology, puberty, science, trees with magical lands at the top of them and followed beloved characters through their lives that were different to mine. 

I became a book fairy at a time in my life where I was depressed, miserable and had very little money. However kind friends and family always generously gifted me with book tokens and beautiful books. And being able to share that gift brought me a lot of joy - it was a lot of fun. 

Books are an entrance into a world that is not our own. Stories can teach us about courage, love, fear, other cultures. They enable us to have more tolerance, greater understanding and empathy. 

Streetreads was an initiative started by a friend of mine, known as the 'Book Wumman'. Streetreads does many things to connect people from every background and circumstance through stories. They are breaking down the barriers that prevent people facing and recovering from homelessness having access to reading by gifting new or nearly new books, reading glasses, providing literacy support and hosting storytelling events around the city in partnership with other organisations.

Stories our own and those of others are a great way of connecting with each other and Streetreads is a beautifully-engaging way to do this.

I would love it if you can pay forward your book gift by doing 1 or more of the following

1. Giving a donation to help fund the work of Streetreads

2. Pass on any books in good condition to Streetreads for their library of books.

3. Donate your time to volunteer with Streetreads

4. Share about The Book Fairies and Streetreads on your social media accounts to raise awareness.

Find out more about Streetreads here: 

http://www.streetwork.org.uk/positive-initiatives/streetreads/