A Bolton youngster, whose passion of reading received royal approval, hopes a generous donation inspired by his achievements will help others share his love of libraries.
Cllr Fairclough welcomes Milan to the library
Eight-year-old Milan Kumar made national headlines earlier this year after reading 50 books in just three months earning him praise from The Duchess of Cornwall among many others.
But not satisfied by this literary feat, Milan contacted Tesco and Amazon UK to ask for donations so that others could enjoying reading as much as he does.
Both companies agreed to support Bolton Library and Museum Services with their work giving books to local communities.
Hundreds of donated books have now been distributed across a variety of services which work with some of the most vulnerable children and families in Bolton:
- The Achievement, Cohesion and Integration Service, who support families who are new to the UK
- Bolton Council’s Fostering Team, who support looked after children and young people
- The Start Well Service, who support vulnerable families
- Fortalice, who support women and children who experience domestic abuse
- Members of the Youth Participation Task Group, who support young people with a variety of physical and emotional needs
“I feel proud knowing I have made a difference to the lives of children because reading promotes health and well-being,” Milan said.
“Many of the books I read are loaned from Bolton Central Library. Thank you to Emma Bateson and all the library staff for doing a fantastic job!”
Milan, a pupil at Bolton School, was taking part in a challenge which tasks young people with reading 50 books in a single year.
But he reached the milestone in a fraction of the time, enjoying works by David Walliams, JK Rowling and a biography of Nelson Mandela along the way.
Milan was invited to Bolton Central Library to receive a medal, certificate and a personal “thank you” from Cllr Hilary Fairclough.
Cllr Fairclough, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said:
“I was delighted to meet Milan and we were all very impressed with what he was able to achieve this year by reading so many books in such a short space of time.
“But what is truly remarkable is his compassion and desire to share that love of reading with others.
“Bolton Libraries are here to inspire young people and give them the best possible start in life, and this generous donation will help us do just that.”
Milan also received a letter of thanks from Bolton Council’s fostering team.
“Books entertain, inform, comfort, inspire and help readers understand that no matter who they are or what experiences they have had, they are not alone,” it read.
“This donation will certainly help the children we look after, to know that they are supported, and they too may go on to support others in the future.”