For all the passionate readers out there, the world of literature is filled with intriguing discussions: Are audiobooks truly considered books? Is it okay to purchase secondhand books? And does choosing to shop outside of Amazon affect independent authors who rely on sales?
The choice of where to buy books, whether from large retailers or various Amazon alternatives, is a personal one influenced by many factors.
In this vibrant landscape, two enthusiastic book lovers from the United Kingdom, Gemma Lovett and Sara Montgomery, have introduced an exciting new option: BookKind, their online bookshop that just launched!
BookKind offers a vast selection of titles, but what truly sets it apart is its commitment to giving back. A generous 10% of every sale will support eight wonderful charities dedicated to vital causes such as health, literacy, environmental protection, racial justice, and humanitarian aid.
Their nonprofit partners include:
- Maggie’s, a remarkable organization supporting cancer patients
- Mental Health Foundation, which funds important research and treatments for mental health
- Dementia UK, providing specialized support to families dealing with memory loss
- Read For Good, which donates books to children in need
- The Runnymede Trust, a legacy organization advocating for racial justice for over 50 years
- Surfers Against Sewage, dedicated to cleaning our oceans and promoting anti-pollution efforts
- War Child UK, helping children affected by war
- Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, enhancing the lives of children with complex health challenges
The selection of these charities is particularly meaningful to Montgomery, who has personally experienced the impact of dementia and cancer in her family.
In addition to supporting charities, BookKind will also launch an “Acts of BookKindness” initiative, donating books to schools and hospitals, with a commitment to give 500 books to a local school already in place.
Montgomery expressed a desire for a strong connection with customers and the industry, stating, “We really want to feel like people are engaging with this at all levels.” Lovett echoed her sentiment, hoping that marketing teams would collaborate meaningfully with BookKind.
With both Lovett and Montgomery holding executive positions at Monwell, a company specializing in e-commerce bookstores for media brands in the U.K., their experience has inspired them to blend bookselling with a social impact focus. They saw a wonderful opportunity to align the simple act of buying books with supporting important causes.
Their approach is reminiscent of Bookshop.org, an online bookseller that donates a portion of its sales to independent bookstores chosen by shoppers. When customers shop at BookKind, they can see how their purchase contributes to their selected nonprofit partner, allowing them to make a difference with their choices.
Montgomery reflected on their vision, saying, “Having successfully launched bookshops for big media brands such as the Guardian and the Times, we wanted to do something on our own – and to give back.” She emphasized their goal: to grow BookKind into a leading U.K. book retailer while making a positive impact on society.
Though based in the U.K., BookKind happily ships to other countries, including the United States. For those who typically shop with larger retailers for better pricing and shipping, BookKind encourages shoppers to reflect on what truly matters to them. A spokesperson noted, “You could probably buy your books from cheaper places, but we keep our prices aligned with the recommended retail price so that as much money as possible goes to charity.”
U.K. customers can enjoy fast deliveries and free shipping on orders over £25, making the experience even more delightful.
With over 200,000 titles available, BookKind allows shoppers to sort books by cause on its website, featuring topics like mental health, environmental issues, LGBTQ+ themes, and children's literature that highlights disabilities, among others.
The guiding principle of BookKind is to “read generously,” encouraging readers to immerse themselves in literature, share their love for books, and support positive initiatives through their purchases.
Montgomery beautifully stated, “It’s both, read a lot, read as much as you can, buy books, read books, share books, talk about books, read books to children,” emphasizing the joy of reading while contributing to good.
Lovett added that shopping at BookKind also means “feeling good about where you’re book shopping,” creating a fulfilling experience for all.
Charity partners are eager to join hands with compassionate readers who wish to make a difference with their book choices. Ellie Ikiebe from the Runnymede Trust expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “With representation comes inspiration, and so we’re proud to support BookKind’s ambition to broaden people’s literary collections to include more books by authors of colour and from a range of different backgrounds and perspectives.”
Together, BookKind is fostering a community of empathy and understanding, reminding us all of the goodness that can come from the simple act of reading.
