Kisharon Langdon celebrates World Book Day
New Chapters social enterprise invites guests to donate pre-loved books and meet members of learning disability and autism community
New Chapters, the second-hand bookshop and social enterprise run by learning disability and autism charity Kisharon Langdon, welcomed members of the community to its open day on Sunday 1 March 2026, to celebrate World Book Day and support the National Year of Reading.
Visitors had the opportunity to meet the team and volunteers who keep New Chapters running and tour the warehouse. They were also able to discover the shop’s new 12-week work-based development programme, which helps participants build practical skills, gain independence, and develop a sense of purpose, supporting progression into work or volunteering.
Co-ordinator Hannan Ahmed said: “New Chapters is about so much more than books – it’s a place where people can learn and develop valuable life and employment skills, while the work they do gives them purpose and a real sense of value.”
Guests donated pre-loved books and browsed a wide selection of second-hand titles. The open day also featured live readings from people supported by Kisharon Langdon and a showcase from the charity’s enterprise team, who sold a selection of their handcrafted products. Led and managed by people supported by the charity, members design and create the handcrafted products themselves, including hand-painted mezuzah cases and bespoke coasters, as well as source materials, calculate costs and set pricing.
Talia, supported by Kisharon Langdon and due to start working at New Chapters next week, said “I am looking forward to selling books and listing them on Amazon. I really cannot wait to start!”
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