Rooted in the magazine’s long-standing belief in the power of storytelling to comfort, inspire and connect generations, the Love Darg Books campaign invites readers to share children’s books that have played a meaningful role in their lives and the young people in their lives, giving them a second life with children who need them most, says DC Thomson.
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with the National Year of Reading and The Children’s Book Project, two organisations dedicated to championing literacy and improving access to books for young people.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple idea: every book carries more than words - it holds memories, imagination and possibility, added DC Thomson. By donating pre-loved stories, readers can help spark a lifelong love of reading and open doors for the next generation.
The National Year of Reading highlights the transformative impact of reading for pleasure, helping children to build confidence, creativity and connection. Through Love Darg Books, The People’s Friend says it aims to bring that mission to life, encouraging communities to come together and share stories that matter.
From bedtime favourites and well-thumbed classics to the book that first ignited a love of reading, each donation has the potential to shape a child’s future, the publisher continued.
Stuart Johnstone, editor of The People’s Friend, said: “The People’s Friend is proud to support The National Year of Reading, and we encourage everyone to ‘Go All In’ and enjoy reading, too. We celebrate the power of words in every issue of the magazine, and I will never miss the chance to advocate why reading is great.
“Books have been a huge part of my life. As a young boy, the local library was my favourite place to go, and I look back on those days with real fondness. I devoured adventure series like Tintin, The Three Investigators and The Hardy Boys.
“I enjoy hearing other people talk about their experiences with a particular author or book, too. This is where our Love Darg Books campaign can help, by encouraging young readers to go on their own book journeys.
“Everyone at the ‘Friend’ is delighted to be teaming up with the fantastic Children’s Book Project to make sure the wonderful tales our readers enjoyed can be passed on to a new generation through book donations.
“This is a really exciting initiative that will help keep reading not just alive, but flourishing. I will be raiding the shelves in our house to drop off some books, and I know the whole ‘Friend’ family will do the same.
“Reading has shaped my life in many large and small ways, and I would like to thank everyone in advance for donating their books. Your generosity will make a real difference.”
Readers are encouraged to take part by donating children’s books via local drop‑off points.
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