IBC Book Box is back and bigger than ever with 6000 free books for schools!

This year, 60 boxes, each containing 100 carefully selected, high-quality children’s books, will be gifted to state primary schools and community libraries across the UK!

The books, chosen by the IBC team of expert reviewers, reflect the rich diversity of UK society and beyond, and are suitable for children aged 2 to 12.

Launched as a pilot with 12 boxes in 2024, the scheme quickly grew to 34 boxes later that year, following overwhelming demand from schools with limited or no book budgets and a lack of diverse titles on their shelves. This year’s expanded scheme responds to this ongoing need.

Feedback from IBC Book Box recipients has been extremely positive. One rural school librarian said: ‘Students are finally able to have books that represent themselves and expose them to places they don’t normally experience.’

Marcus Satha, co-founder of IBC said of this year’s initiative: ‘Schools and libraries are in desperate need of books that are in touch with the communities they serve. We’re proud to expand this scheme and increase the accessibility of inclusive children’s books for even more children.’

All UK state primary schools and community libraries are eligible to apply, and applications close on 18 July 2025.

Find out more about the free scheme and how to apply here.

Parents can also nominate their child’s school to apply here:

Fabia Turner is Head of Content at IBC and the Founder of the Jericho Prize for Children’s Writing. She is also a former primary teacher and educational book editor with a love of children’s literature.