An international charity that provides books to communities across the world has officially opened its new warehouse in Swindon, placing the town at the centre of its global operations.
Book Aid International marked the opening of its new facility on the Cheney Manor Estate on Thursday, 11 June, welcoming supporters, funders, book donors and local community representatives to celebrate the milestone.
The charity, which sends books to schools, libraries, universities, refugee camps, prisons and medical libraries across the world, has relocated to Swindon as it seeks to expand its impact and increase the number of books it distributes internationally.
Among those attending the opening were Tim Major and Les Durrant from the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, who have helped the charity establish itself in the town.
Guests heard from Dr Alice Prochaska, who thanked the Swindon community for its support since the charity’s arrival.
The charity’s president, Nigel Newton, highlighted the importance of the new facility and the role books can play in changing lives.
He told guests: “If you put the right book in front of the right reader anywhere in the world, something special happens.”
The event also featured a speech from bestselling novelist Abi Daré, who is serving as the charity’s Author Ambassador for 2026.
She spoke about the importance of improving access to books and reading opportunities for people in underserved communities around the globe.
Book Aid International works with more than 150 partner organisations worldwide, providing books in response to requests from schools, libraries and community groups. The charity estimates that in a typical year more than 20 million people have access to books it supplies.
With its new Swindon base now operational, the organisation hopes to distribute more than one million books by the end of 2026.
The warehouse will play a crucial role in achieving that target, with books being sorted, packed and prepared for shipment by staff and volunteers from the local area.
Charity leaders said community support would remain essential to its success. Unlike many organisations operating internationally, Book Aid International receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations and fundraising to continue its work.
The charity is now appealing for more volunteers from across Swindon and Wiltshire to help at the warehouse, where teams prepare thousands of books for dispatch to communities around the world.
It is also seeking corporate partners willing to support its mission financially and help expand its reach.
The opening represents another boost for the Cheney Manor area and highlights Swindon’s growing role as a base for organisations with national and international influence.
For local volunteers, it also offers the chance to play a direct part in improving access to education, literacy and learning opportunities for people across the globe, all from a warehouse in the heart of Swindon.
