Thanks to Lead Sponsor Baillie Gifford, we’ve got LOTS of free books to give to schools taking part in this year’s Festival. We’re offering all pupils attending the Book Festival in-person this August a free book while schools tuning into events online can enter our competition to win a book bundle for their library.
Free books for pupils!
Every Pupil attending the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme in-person at the Book Festival this year automatically receives a free copy of a book relating to the event they come and see. Your pupils will be given the books during their visit to the Book Festival Village. After each event, children have the opportunity to meet the author and get their book signed in the Signing Tent – plan this into your visit to get the full Book Festival experience!
Pupils attending the Baillie Gifford Schools Gala Day also receive a free goody bag, making their visit extra memorable.
Check out the full 2023 Baillie Gifford Schools Programme here.
Competition – Book Bundles for schools watching online!
For schools who choose to watch events online instead of coming to the Festival, we’re running an exclusive competition to help grow your library collections. Ten lucky schools (five primary schools and five secondary schools) will win a fantastic set of books by authors appearing in the 2023 Baillie Gifford Schools Programme.
To register your class for this great offer just choose the event you have booked to watch from our 2023 Baillie Gifford Schools Programme then complete this application form.
Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/terms-conditions/competition
Discounted books for your school
Waterstones are delighted to offer schools a 28% discount on bulk orders of 15 or more books. The offer applies to all books featured in the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme and is valid between 20 April and 30 September.
You can sign up here to register the discount for your school: waterstonesaccountsales.com/register. All orders can then be sent to jane.wood@waterstones.com who will process your order and send directly to your school.
For terms and conditions on all of the above, please visit: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/terms-conditions/competition
Teacher discount
Teachers also receive a 10% discount on any books purchased in the Festival Bookshop during 12-28 August. Simply show proof of employment at the checkout.
What teachers said last year…
“The group really cherished receiving a book and were delighted they could have it signed. They loved to chat with the author and this was the real highlight of the day. They were so proud to have a signed book, I can’t put into words how great it made them feel.”
“They were beside themselves that they were gifted books and really appreciative of the cost behind such a gesture. Pupils were also very excited about getting autographs immediately after the event – in their free books!”
“Without the free books, most pupils likely wouldn’t have brought enough money to buy a book and therefore would have missed out on the opportunity to meet the author. They couldn’t stop talking about him so I think it boosted their engagement with the entire event.”
“The pupils were grateful to receive their book for free. Many would not have otherwise been able to afford to purchase a copy. They were all then really excited to meet the author and have their precious gift signed. Excited to be taking this and the experience away with them to share with their family and friends.”
“It [having free books] meant everything, it meant that all pupils were treated equally and books were enjoyed by all, not just those who had the money to buy. It gave everyone the opportunity to queue for a signature and chat/ photo with the authors. Please, please do it again.”
