A NEW book club with a difference for homeless people and travellers is being launched at a library in Oldbury.

Volunteers from Unity Book Club are launching the club at Bleakhouse Library in Bleakhouse Road, Oldbury, this Saturday (January 25) from 1pm until 3pm.

It will be held on the fourth Saturday of every month and will offer free donated books, with no library card needed, to those who otherwise may not be able to access them.

Unity Book Club was born when founder Julia Smith crossed a bridge in Birmingham City Centre, noticing a homeless man reading a book.

She wondered where he would find books.

Julia, who is also the managing director of a sales and marketing company, said: “I’ve always felt passionately that treating everyone as an equal human being is really important, and the homeless and travelling communities are some of the most marginalised in our society.

"We need to make sure we give everyone the same joy and access to books that the majority benefit from.

"We also see this as a way of reaching out to others, a place to connect and talk so there will also be tea and cake for all who attend.”

Julia said Jean Fenn and Lynne Lanchester from Bleakhouse Library immediately offered help and offered a space that can be used regularly.

She said: “We are very grateful that so many people support the idea and have already donated books and shared the Facebook page.

"We need as much help as possible to spread the word to the homeless and travelling communities that this is available for them, along with a cuppa and a friendly face."