2020 saw the world change.

The Covid-19 pandemic affected everyone in one way or another.

A small group of booksellers saw the potential impact of the crisis on individuals, leading to hardship.  They established a CrowdFunder to raise £10,000 to be donated to The Book Trade Charity, to provide funds for us to respond to urgent cases of need resulting from this unprecedented situation.  This appeal met with an astonishing response from authors, bookshop staff, trade companies and individuals, and members of the general public who recognised the value of bookshops and their staff and this target was quickly exceeded, gaining further support when a major trade publisher (PenguinRandomHouse) offered match-funding of £60,000.  The initiative contributed £180,000 to our funds.  A surprise offer from a well-known  online retailer added a further £250,000 towards the resources The Book Trade Charity could use to combat many difficult situations of personal hardship.  To June 2020, some 60 grants have been given and nearly £100,000 distributed.  The difficulties created by the pandemic are likely to continue for many months to come, and we expect to be offering help for the rest of the year.

If you are in this situation and need help, contact [email protected]