Basildon Mayor, Councillor Mo Larkin, joined in a day of celebrations in the Town Centre last Saturday 3rd December, to mark the opening of the newly-refurbished “Books for Free,” centre in the Town Square.

 

Basildon Mayor, Councillor Mo Larkin opening the 'Books for Free' centre with the help of staff volunteers and Healthy Planet founder, Shaylesh Patel pictured above holding the microphone.

 

“Books for Free,” an initiative of green charity Healthy Planet, rescues books otherwise destined for landfill or pulping. Healthy Planet redistributes these books - for free - throughout communities via their stores nationwide. By visiting the stores and taking a book, people are reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill each year and helping to recycle valuable resources. There is no catch and the only restriction is that a maximum of 3 books are taken at any one time. So far the scheme has saved over 1/4 of a million books.

 

The public of Basildon have really taken their local branch of “Books for Free” to their hearts since it opened earlier this year, and as well as helping the environment, the store  - which is run entirely by volunteers - has become a welcoming community space.

 

Shaylesh Patel, founder of Healthy Planet was on hand to give a speech - where he praised the people of Basildon for being the most generous community in the UK in terms of donations to "Books for Free". Councillor Mo Larkin, the Mayor of Basildon, was similarly impressed saying:

 

"It is brilliant for people to be able to go and get books for free.  Particularly as current national statistics show that a third of all children in Britain do not own a book.  This gives them the opportunity to read and explore their minds.  What a wonderful enterprise for Basildon."

Lead Volunteer, Robin Whitcomb added:

“BFF has become far more than just a place to pick up books; it is a place where people can meet and chat without feeling any obligation. Many of our visitors arrange to meet at the shop for that very reason. The kids also love it. Where else can they go away with a free book, a free sweet after drawing a picture or playing in the tent (yes we do have one, donated by a volunteer) or simply sit on the floor and flip through a book while Mum has a chance to browse the bookshelves. It really has to be seen”.

 

 

Seetec were able to help the centre find volunteers by promoting the opportunity with it’s customers who are in Basildon and looking to develop their skills.

 

Nick Reynolds, Regional Operations Manager for Seetec said:

“Seetec are pleased to be able to work in partnership with such an inspiring project. The Healthy Planet Books for Free centre is something that greatly benefits our customers by helping them to develop their skills with work experience as well providing an important community resource in the centre itself, working towards a greener future for the planet. Seetec look forward to working with Healthy Planet to help expand this great initiative to other centres across the UK.”

 

Events on the day included displays by local dance group "Kayzar" who performed outside the centre from 11.30am until 5pm! Inside the centre - as well as giving out free books - the local Scouts gave demonstrations on their work, and children could take part in an activity scheme to decorate a Christmas tree for St Martins Church.

 

Thanks to its dedicated volunteers, Basildon's "Books for Free" centre is now open 6 days a week at 21 Town Square. Everyone is welcome to come along and pick up their free books.