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The Book Bus Foundation

The Book Bus aims to improve child literacy rates in Africa by providing children with books and the inspiration to read them. We provide a mobile library service to remote and disadvantaged schools in Zambia and recruit staff and volunteer reading assistants who introduce children (and their parents) to the joy of reading.

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Activities & Mission

The Book Bus aims to improve child literacy rates in Africa by providing children with books and the inspiration to read them. We provide a mobile library service to remote and disadvantaged schools in Zambia and recruit staff and volunteer reading assistants who introduce children (and their parents) to the joy of reading.

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Country

Region

Financial Information

Latest Income
£85,855
Latest Expenditure
£47,855

Financial Efficiency

Overall Efficiency 55.7%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Expenditure Ratio 55.7%
Expenditure as % of income

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2025
£85,855
£47,8550 / 2
2024
£104,650
£41,7240 / 2
2023
£67,199
£72,7530 / 1
2022
£59,406
£82,1800 / 0
2021
£43,307
£74,6080 / 2

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Book Bus Foundation

What does The Book Bus Foundation do?

The Book Bus aims to improve child literacy rates in Africa by providing children with books and the inspiration to read them. We provide a mobile library service to remote and disadvantaged schools in Zambia and recruit staff and volunteer reading assistants who introduce children (and their parents) to the joy of reading.

How much income did The Book Bus Foundation report in 2025?

The Book Bus Foundation reported total income of £86k and reported expenditure of £48k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was The Book Bus Foundation registered as a charity?

The Book Bus Foundation was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 21 December 2006 as charity number 1117357. It has been registered for 20 years.

Who runs The Book Bus Foundation?

The Book Bus Foundation is governed by a board of 4 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Book Bus Foundation operate?

The Book Bus Foundation operates across 2 areas: Zambia and London.

Is The Book Bus Foundation a registered charity?

Yes — The Book Bus Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1117357.

Details

Address
11 THE ORCHARD
MONTPELIER ROAD
LONDON
W5 2QW
Registration Date
21 December 2006
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
4028266
Charity Number
1117357

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Trustees

DAVID GORDON
Gerard Kelly
John Bruce
Jon Pennells

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
30 July 2026
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