As anyone involved in a PTA or PTFA knows, fundraising is no small task. It takes time, energy, and a lot of goodwill from your school community. And just as quickly as the funds come in, they are often allocated to a growing list of needs.

With school budgets under increasing pressure, it’s more important than ever that the money you raise delivers real, lasting impact. One of the most powerful areas you can invest in? Books.

Every school wants to improve reading outcomes while also nurturing a genuine love of reading. But striking that balance isn’t always easy. Structured phonics programmes and banded reading schemes play a vital role in learning to read—but they don’t always inspire children to want to read.

That’s where your PTA can make a transformative difference.

The books children encounter in school shape their relationship with reading for life. Do they see reading as joyful, exciting, and meaningful? Or as something repetitive and uninspiring? The answer often lies in the quality and variety of books available beyond reading schemes.

Reading Revolution

If you are looking for a long-term project, planning a brand new library with new shelving and brand new stock will guarantee excitement around reading. This beautiful new library was designed and installed by InCube and the stock was provided by Chestnut Books. Every book was chosen specifically to meet the needs of this school following a stock audit and is matched to their curriculum.

I would strongly advise carrying out an audit of current stock before spending any money on new books.

This huge new library in Manchester was funded by their PTFA. InCube and Chestnut Books worked together to create a beautiful design and brand new diverse, modern stock that was merged with existing books.

When fundraising for books, it’s tempting to focus on quantity. But impact comes from careful selection, not just full shelves.

Here’s where PTAs can really add value:

1. Invest in High-Quality, Engaging Texts
Look for books that children choose to pick up—stories that spark imagination, humour, and curiosity. Think page-turners, beautifully illustrated picture books, and non-fiction that makes children say “wow.”

2. Reflect Every Child in Your School
Representation matters. A well-chosen collection should reflect the diversity of your school community and the wider world—different cultures, family structures, abilities, and experiences.

When children see themselves in books, it validates their identity. When they see others, it builds empathy and understanding.

3. Build for Longevity
Aim for books that will stand the test of time—both physically and in relevance. Classic stories, high-quality hardbacks, and carefully curated non-fiction will serve multiple year groups for years to come.

4. Support Teachers, Don’t Duplicate Schemes
Teachers already have access to phonics and banded resources. PTA funding is most impactful when it enhances what’s already there—class libraries, reading corners, and whole-school collections.

Reading for Pleasure

Book Corners

Ready-made book corners filled with diverse, high-quality texts that reflect every child, support progression across year groups, and ignite a love of reading. From page-turning adventures to books that make children laugh and think, each collection is designed to create a vibrant, engaging reading culture across your school.

Topic Collections

Fresh, hand-picked non-fiction collections that ignite curiosity and a sense of wonder. Packed with fascinating facts, vibrant imagery, and interactive features, these books encourage children to dip in, explore, and develop a lifelong interest in the world around them.