Charity
Gateway to Education Limerick Read To Grow campaign gives 2,800 old books a new purpose
Gateway to Education Limerick Read To Grow campaign gives 2,800 old books a new purpose
Gateway to Education Limerick announces its Read To Grow project has collected more than 2,800 children’s books to promote literacy and global education
By I Love Limerick Editor, Cian Reinhardt
Gateway to Education Limerick has announced that its ‘Read to Grow’ project has collected 2,808 books, which will be given a new lease of life when they are shipped abroad.
The Limerick not-for-profit launched its ‘Read to Grow’ campaign in August 2025, calling on the public to donate their used children’s books to promote literacy and global education, as well as promoting sustainability by giving unwanted books “a second life”.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Suzanne Roche of Gateway to Education Limerick thanked the public for their support since the launch of the initiative. She said, “Thanks to the incredible response from the Limerick community, the donated books have now been sorted, counted, and prepared for shipment. I’m delighted to confirm that two full pallets of children’s books are now with Doyle Shipping. Thanks to Nessan for all his support. The books are now on their way to Read to Grow for international redistribution.”
Many international charities and NGO’s are doing an excellent job fighting the ongoing problems of developing countries. They provide money, food, clothing and medicine, all of which are very much needed.
However, the problems are massive. Read to Grow says they have a slightly different approach, where they believe that “teaching people from developing countries to support and educate themselves is extremely important”.
In total, the latest shipment includes 65 boxes of 2,808 children’s books that see the books diverted from waste and given a second life, which are now destined for distribution through Read to Grow’s global education partners.
The success builds on the long-term impact of the project that has seen more than 36,000 books redistributed internationally since 2015. The initiative is believed to have prevented an estimated 12 tonnes of paper waste while supporting literacy and access to education in multiple countries.
Suzanne added, “What makes this story special is that every single book was donated locally. The community responded generously, volunteers sorted and packed, and now those books will be placed directly into the hands of children who need them. It’s a full-circle Limerick story — sustainability, education, and community action working together!”
Gateway to Education Limerick is a non-profit, social enterprise created in Limerick in April 2012 to address economic and social barriers to education. For further information and to make donations, you can visit the Gateway to Education Limerick website.
International Stars and World-Class Classical Musicians Come to 2026 Killaloe Music Festival
WATCH FTD Brothers come to Limerick Saturday, May 16 as part of 33 marathons in 33 days
PHOTOS Emerging Artists shine at College of FET, Mulgrave Street Campus Arts Festival 2026
Rua Running Community set to “Run Against Cancer” in support of Irish Cancer Society on Sunday, May 24
TA Narrative release ‘SWAY’ music video filled with electronic pop rock and Limerick culture
5 events in Limerick this weekend, May 15 – May 17
PHOTOS Over 20,000 participants take part in 2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run
Limerick nursing sisters to celebrate International Nurses Day
PHOTOS St Gabriel’s Celebrates Community, Connection and Summer Spirit at Annual Luncheon
