re3 Partnership celebrates World Book Day with 18,000 books redistributed through re3read scheme

Ahead of World Book Day on 5 March, the re3 Partnership is celebrating a successful first year of its re3read Book Reuse Scheme, with more than 18,000 books redistributed to over 60 local organisations across Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough.

The re3 Partnership, which serves Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils, in collaboration with FCC Environment, introduced the scheme at its Recycling Centres on Longshot Lane, Bracknell, and Island Road, Reading.

Launched in March 2025, the initiative provides free second-hand books to residents and community organisations, helping to ensure that as many books as possible donated to the Reuse Areas remain within the local community. The scheme promotes literacy, reduces waste and supports education across the boroughs.

In the past year alone, 18,000 books have been successfully redistributed, benefiting more than 60 organisations including schools, nurseries, care homes and community groups. Residents have also been able to take books free of charge from designated re3read bookshelves at the Recycling Centres.

Cllr Karen Rowland, Chair of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety; Cllr Helen Purnell, Vice-Chair of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Member for the Environment and Community Cohesion; and Cllr Katrin Harding, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of what the re3read scheme has achieved in its first year. Redistributing 1,800 books to more than 60 organisations demonstrate the real value of reuse within our communities. World Book Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this milestone. By keeping books in circulation locally, we’re supporting literacy and education while reducing waste and carbon emissions. We encourage residents to continue donating and picking up books when visiting our Recycling Centres.”

Scott Adams, re3 General Manager at FCC Environment, added:

“The success of re3read over the past year shows how embedded reuse has become in our community. Residents are increasingly mindful about giving items a second life, and organisations are keen to benefit from good-quality donated books. Initiatives like re3read, alongside our Paint, DVDs and Uniform Reuse Schemes as well Reuse Pop-Up Shops, highlight the growing demand for second-hand items and the positive environmental impact we can achieve together.”

The re3read scheme forms part of re3’s wider commitment to waste reduction across the three boroughs. Local organisations can apply for free bundles of books to support educational activities or refresh their libraries, helping them to save money while extending the lifespan of books already in circulation.

To find out more about the re3read Book Reuse Scheme or to apply for free books, visit the re3 website