‘New Chapters’ Open Day Celebrated World Book Day

New Chapters, the second-hand bookshop and social enterprise run by Kisharon Langdon, welcomed members of the community to its Open Day on Sunday 1 March 2026 to celebrate World Book Day and support the goals of the National Year of Reading 2026.

The event showcased how New Chapters creates meaningful employment and volunteering opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, while promoting a love of reading, sustainability and community connection.

Visitors had the opportunity to meet the team and volunteers who keep New Chapters running, tour the warehouse, and discover the shop’s new 12-week New Chapters Development Programme. This work-based employability programme helps participants build practical skills, gain independence, and develop a sense of purpose, supporting progression into work or volunteering. Fully aligned with Care Act duties, Preparing for Adulthood outcomes, and local employment strategies, the programme combines meaningful social impact with real pathways to employment.

Hannan Ahmed, New Chapters Coordinator, 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.”

The Open Day also featured live readings from people supported by Kisharon Langdon, highlighting the power of storytelling and self-expression. Zoe, a supported living tenant who also works on reception at Kisharon Langdon Head Office, delivered one of the readings. Her father also volunteered to perform a poetry reading, making it a particularly special family moment. Richard Franklin, Chief Executive of Kisharon Langdon, also took part in the readings.

Guests donated pre-loved books and browsed a wide selection of second-hand titles. They also supported Kisharon Langdon’s Enterprise Team, a business led and managed by people supported by the charity. Team 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, gaining valuable real-world enterprise and financial skills in the process.

A particularly moving moment came at the end of the event when Talia, who is due to start working at New Chapters next week, spoke to attendees about her new role. She became emotional as she shared her excitement about beginning her job.

Talia, supported by Kisharon Langdon, said “I am looking forward to selling books and listing them on Amazon. I really cannot wait to start!”

Through its work, New Chapters demonstrates how books not only inspire readers, but also create pathways to employment, confidence and independence.