Reading For A Cause: How Bookshops Are Helping Animal Charities
Have you ever imagined that buying a book could help an animal in need? If you love animals and are a booklover, this article is for you.
In 2021, I was searching for a specific book on the internet when I came across a second-hand online bookshop that sells books to raise funds for animal shelters. Their inspired mission truly moved me. By purchasing a new story, you can help these precious furry friends in need while also fostering a community that values both literature and the well-being of our animal companions.
In this article, you’ll discover five inspiring charity bookshops from around the world.
1- Livrauriacg – Brazil
In 2020, three friends started a volunteer project to dedicate their time to the things they love most: animals and reading. By selling second-hand books, their goal is to raise funds to donate to animal welfare organizations in the Campo Grande/MS area.
The bookshop operates online and ships to anywhere in Brazil. However, they also take part in local events and markets, where they spread awareness about animal welfare causes and adoption.
On their Instagram page, you can find all the available books and the locations of their book collection points. They have more than ten collection points spread across the city, where people can donate books in good condition.
Isn’t that just the sweetest idea?
2- Rescue Reads – Australia
”Save Books, Save Animals” is the motto of this heartwarming online second-hand bookshop.
Founded in March this year by a small family business in Perth, the project has two missions: help pre-loved books find a new home and help to support animal rescue across the city. Each month, the money raised from book sales is donated to a different local rescue organization.
On their website, you’ll find books organized by a wide range of genres, gift cards, and events and markets they have taken part in. On their Instagram, they not only sell books but also help promote pet adoption by showcasing animals looking for a forever home.
Join them in this mission and give rescued animals a second chance.
3- Books For Dogs – Italy
Located in Umbertide, Books For Dogs (Libri Per I Cani) is an animal welfare charity run by group of like-minded, animal-loving volunteers. Their journey started back in 2008, selling in a second-hand books in English on Market Day in the heart of Umbertide, and in 2016 they found a permanent home for their project.
Besides offering a great selection of books, they also sell pre-loved clothes and various household items to raise funds for local animal shelters. Throughout the year, they organize and participate in events promoting sterilisation campaigns and microchipping/registration programs in partnership with vets and local authorities.
On their website, they state: “Spreading awareness in the local community, we aim to reduce rates of abandonment, maltreatment and poisoning, and find permanent homes for man’s best friends.”
4- House Of Hodge Charity Bookshop – England
The project was founded in 2009 by Dr. Doreen Rolph, a well-read cat lover determined to raise funds for animal welfare.
The book cave has become a local institution in London, selling curated selection of books from all kind of genres in a mission to support the care and protection of animals by donating funds to specialist organisations.
More than that, the bookshop is named in honor of Hodge, the beloved cat of Samuel Johnson — the poet and lexicographer famous for spending nine years writing A Dictionary of the English Language (1755).
Isn’t that inspiring? Pay a visit and help make a difference.
5- Books Brews & Dogs – USA
“Our mission is to save knowledge and dogs,” say the founders of Books, Brews & Dogs — an online business born from a shared love of animals, books, and good brews.
By rescuing surplus library books, they offer a unique and fun way to reading: the Blind Date with a Book. Here’s how it works: you choose a book based on a short description and genre, without seeing the cover or title. It’s all about surprise and curiosity, and best of all, every book helps an animal in need.
A portion of the profits is donated to Saving South Texas Animal Rescue, supporting dogs and cats through medical care and adoption events.
Pick a mystery book and help save a furry friend!
All physical and online bookshops mentioned in the article accept book donations. If you have a book you no longer need, please contact the organizations and help support the cause.
Each bookshop has a unique story and background, but they all share one special bond: a deep love for animals and a passion for reading.
With a simple gesture, you can make a difference!
Author Bio
Hi there! I’m Gabi A.C, a Brazilian girl in my early 20s, now based in Sydney. I’m a curious soul who is passionate about literature, animals, travel and crafting. You’ll usually find me in a cosy café or wandering around taking pictures with my little Cyber-shot.
