Scotland’s first free bookshop, GET Free Books at Buchanan Galleries, is celebrating World Book Day (March 5) by encouraging the public to rediscover the joy of reading - and to help others do the same.
GET Free Books is operated by the Global Educational Trust, a charity dedicated to promoting literacy and reading skills for all, providing local communities to access free books through its network of over 20 bookshops around the UK.
Its first Scottish location opened at Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow in June 2025. The store offers a wide range of second-hand books across all genres, with guests able to take home up to three books to read and enjoy free of charge.
This World Book Day, GET Free Books is encouraging everyone to pop into store, pick up a free book, and experience the transformative power of reading. By removing financial barriers, the initiative ensures that everyone has the opportunity to access and enjoy books, regardless of their circumstances.
At the same time, the charity is calling on the local community to donate any unwanted books to help keep the shelves stocked and stories circulating. Every donated book gives someone else the chance to discover a new author, explore a new world, or reignite a passion for reading.
Junaid Rahim, GET Free Books Trustee, said, “World Book Day is a powerful reminder of how books can inspire, educate and connect us. We encourage everyone to visit the shop, take a book, and if they can, donate one too. A book you’ve finished could be the start of someone else’s reading journey.”
Kathy Murdoch, Centre Director at Buchanan Galleries, said, “World Book Day is about celebrating the power of stories and the joy found in this timeless pastime, and we’re delighted to play our part by helping ensure books are freely available to everyone.
“Access to books should never be limited by financial barriers, which is why we’re proud to support the first GET Free Books shop in Scotland and its ongoing mission to make reading truly accessible.”
GET Free Books relies on donations from the community to keep its shelves stocked, inviting the public to donate their unwanted books and help prevent them from going to waste. Donations can be dropped off at the GET Free Books store on the first floor of Buchanan Galleries, next to Starbucks. The team welcomes second-hand books across all genres, helping prevent them from going to waste while supporting literacy in the local community.
For volunteering opportunities at GET Free Books, please email [email protected], with "Glasgow" as the subject line. For information about Buchanan Galleries, please visit https://buchanangalleries.co.uk/.
Event Venue
Buchanan Galleries, Buchanan Street, Glasgow, UK, United Kingdom
