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The power of partnerships

National Book Tokens is one of our longest standing corporate charity partnerships. In this blog, Head of Marketing Lisa Bywater reflects on the hallmark of a successful partnership, and why they choose to support our cause.  

In partnership with National Book Tokens

At National Book Tokens, our vision is simple yet powerful: a world where everyone has access to books. While our core business focuses on readers in the UK and Ireland, our mission extends further – to support reading for pleasure for everyone, everywhere. Through our corporate charity partnerships, we’re helping to break down barriers to books and ensuring more people can experience the transformative power of reading. 

Why National Book Tokens invests in charity partnerships 

The benefits of reading for pleasure are widely recognised. From boosting wellbeing and empathy to building stronger educational foundations, books are vital for individuals and society alike. But too many people still lack access to them. 

That’s where charity partnerships come in. Across the UK and Ireland, charities are doing extraordinary work to reach under-served communities and remind us why reading for fun is as important as reading for study or work.

At National Book Tokens, we’re uniquely placed to support this mission: book tokens give recipients the joy of choosing their own book – a choice that is crucial for children developing reading skills and for adults seeking escape, calm, and inspiration. 

Our business model already supports local high street bookshops, but it also depends on there being readers.  

By investing in partnerships that widen access to books, we’re helping to grow the readers of the future. This isn’t just good for our business – it’s good for society. A nation of readers is a nation built on education, empathy, and wellbeing. 

Why Book Aid International makes a great charity partner

While our commercial activity is focused in the UK and Ireland, we believe that everyone, everywhere, deserves the chance to read. That’s why we chose Book Aid International as a charity partner. Their work reaches communities facing some of the toughest challenges in the world – from refugees displaced by conflict to families living in extreme poverty. 

By supporting Book Aid International, we and our customers can make a very real difference.  

Many people in the UK and Ireland want their purchases to reflect their values and to help those further afield. Book Aid International’s mission resonates deeply with readers and booksellers alike – and with us at National Book Tokens. 

Our relationship with Book Aid International is rooted in our special charity gift card.

For every card sold, 1% of the proceeds go directly to the charity. It’s a simple, transparent way for our customers to contribute to life-changing work – while also giving a gift that celebrates reading. When you give one, you’re not only sharing the joy of reading with a friend or loved one – you’re also helping someone, somewhere in the world, to access books they might otherwise never have.

By choosing a Book Aid International National Book Token, you’re part of a community of readers who believe that books should be for everyone. 

Beyond fundraising, our partnership thrives because of the powerful stories we’re able to share. Real-life case studies from people whose lives have been transformed by access to books help us connect emotionally with our audience and keep our message fresh and inspiring. 

We’re very proud to have supported this inspiring cause, and we look forward to continuing our work together for years to come.  

Ready to start a conversation?

Contact Tom Manning, our Corporate Partnerships Manager:

Book Aid International
Clair Bradley020 7326 5806

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Our mission and vision

Our vision is a world where everyone has access to books that will enrich, improve and change their lives.

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Our finances

At Book Aid International all the income we receive is from voluntary donations – we receive no government grants.

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