Northern Ireland Bookstore Launches Fundraiser for Children’s Access

A bookstore in Northern Ireland is working to enhance access to literature for children, regardless of their location. Jenni Doherty, owner of Little Acorns Bookstore in Derry, aims to ensure that every child can experience the joy of visiting a bookstore and selecting a book for themselves. As part of her initiative, she is raising funds to cover transportation costs for schools unable to afford buses.

Doherty recognizes the importance of fostering a love for reading among young children. While preparing for World Book Day 2026, she reflects on her experiences with local children visiting her store. “This year, I must have had 500 kids coming in over a couple of weeks,” she stated. The interactions have revealed to her the value of these visits, as many children often do not own books and rely solely on their schools for access.

During their time at the bookstore, children not only select books but also engage in discussions about literature. Doherty expressed surprise at how many children were choosing books for the first time. “I was shocked at how many didn’t actually own a book of their own,” she said. This realization has driven her to expand the reach of her bookstore, ensuring more children can enjoy the experience.

Fundraising for Future Visits

Many schools located further from the city face challenges in arranging visits due to transportation costs. “Other schools who are further out and not within walking distance said they would love to come along,” Doherty noted. She emphasizes the need for books to be accessible to all children, as they play a crucial role in development.

Doherty believes that World Book Day is not just an opportunity for children to read but also a chance to experience the atmosphere of a bookstore. The excitement generated during previous visits has encouraged children to return with their parents and friends. Unfortunately, some schools continue to miss out on this experience due to transportation issues.

To address this, Doherty has initiated a fundraising campaign aimed at covering the costs of school buses for next year’s World Book Day events. “I wanted to raise money for World Book Day 2026 for school buses to visit Little Acorns bookstore next year,” she explained. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with community members already contributing. A touching example includes a three-year-old girl who donated her pocket money to ensure her sister could participate.

Doherty feels inspired by the children’s enthusiasm and generosity. “I felt really inspired after the kids came in; they are so wise and so smart,” she said. Many children have expressed gratitude for the books they received, with some admitting they had never set foot in a bookstore before.

Creating a Lasting Impact

Doherty’s ultimate goal is to foster a love for reading among more children, allowing them to explore literature in a supportive environment. “For next year, I would love it for more schools to be able to come in and more kids to enjoy themselves and become more familiar with reading,” she stated.

As the fundraising efforts continue, Doherty remains hopeful that with community support, the magic of visiting a bookstore can be made accessible to all children, regardless of their circumstances. By prioritizing equal access to books, she is helping to shape a future where every child can discover the joy of reading.

For more updates on this initiative, visit the Little Acorns Bookstore website or follow local news outlets.