Uber announces the launch of a Mobile Libraries scheme to help busy parents on World Book Day.
In a bid to lend a helping hand to time-short parents this World Book Day, Uber has teamed with Puffin and the National Literacy Trust in a new mobile library scheme.
The Mobile Libraries initiative – which launched in London and Manchester on 4 March – will see Uber stock children’s books curated by Puffin and the National Literacy Trust in a number of cars. Parents in a rush to make it back in time to read a bedtime story will then be able to grab a book on the go.
All participating drivers will have a basket of books for parents to choose from, as well as a free bookmark and leaflet of information on the activity.
The idea for Mobile Libraries came after research carried out by Uber revealed 43% of British parents claimed their work schedules stopped them making it home in time to read a bedtime story.
The survey also found that one in five parents admitted they were never able to read to their children. However, it was also revealed that almost half of parents questioned actively wanted to read to their kids at night, while 69% of parents value bedtime stories as an integral part of their child’s routine. Many also explained that reading to their child brings them closer together.
In an attempted to encourage more time-stretched Londoner’s reading to their children, Uber’s Mobile Libraries include a series of Puffin books, designed to perfectly aid a child’s evening routine.
The selection of books, hand-selected by The National Literacy Trust and Puffin, are perfect for children aged between 18 months – 12 years and will be completely free to take home for parents rushing to make it back for their child’s bedtime.
“We know modern life is busy and getting home for bedtime can be a challenge for many parents,” explained Uber UK’s General Manager, Tom Elvidge.
He added: ”To mark World Book Day, we want to make life just a little bit less stressful and make it easier for families to enjoy some special time together.”
The book collection includes both modern and classic children’s books including:
- Dream Big Little Leader, written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
- Peter Rabbit Tales: Goodnight, Peter, by Beatrix Potter
- Mrs Pepperpot, by Alf Proysen and illustrated by Bjorn Berg and Hilda Offen
- Charlotte’s Web, by E. B White and illustrated by Garth Williams
- Wonder, written and illustrated by R J Palacio
Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, also explained: “By encouraging a love of reading at home, parents can help their child develop the language and literacy skills they need to flourish at school and in all areas of their life. Amid increasingly busy family lives, research shows that finding just 10 minutes a day to read with your child can make all the difference.”
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