- ATD Fourth World

Since its inception, three aims have guided the Doorstep Library project: promoting the enjoyment of books and reading to children of low-income families; befriending families in need of support and helping them re-connect with the local community; and building stronger community ties.

Now in its third year of engagement with a disadvantaged housing estate in West London, the Doorstep Library team, volunteers and local friends continue their weekly visits to read with children, lend books and build links with the most excluded households.

In addition, the team has developed an after-school programme in the local community hall. These activities, which have included drumming, cooking, drama workshops and painting, were a direct response to complaints from families that there was little for their children of primary school age to do in the evening.

Such has been the success of the project as a whole that one mother explained, “Now I often take my children to the library. Thanks to you guys, you have shown me the way. My son loves reading and his teacher even asked me how I did it.”

Boosted by input from the after-school activities, the 2009 Summer Festival also provided an excellent example of how, with local partnerships to the fore, excluded families can access resources that are not normally available to them in an atmosphere emphasising a sense of cross-community cohesion.

In collaboration with H&F Homes, Play Association Hammersmith and Fulham, The Flying Gorillas dance group and local artists and residents, the Doorstep Library team was able to put on four days of activities, ranging from acrobatics workshops, art and crafts, dress making and street dancing to music, storytelling and community art. A photo project also encouraged children to capture images of their lives and neighbourhood.

In bringing together families from a range of backgrounds, the Doorstep Library and the Summer Festival clearly demonstrate that there is scope for wider community involvement on the estate to take real steps against poverty and exclusion.