A resident of Barking who founded a scheme that has spread 50,000 books across east London has spoken about the first volume he handed out, which came from his late father.

Emdad Rahman created the BookBike project to distribute literature across the capital and promote reading abilities.

The idea grew from a single donated book, bought for £1 and given to Emdad by his father who has since passed away.

What began as a simple act of kindness has transformed into an extensive literacy and community support programme now operating across Barking and Dagenham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, and Redbridge.

Though it started as a neighbourhood project, it now helps people including those living on the streets, care home residents, refugees, families in temporary accommodation, food bank users, hospice patients, school pupils, and other groups.

Mr Rahman said his father acquired that first book for £1 and told him to pass it on. He showed how the smallest gesture towards another person can bring the greatest benefits to society. Fifty thousand books on, and I still feel like I am giving out that first one.

As well as books, Mr Rahman distributes food parcels, bottled water, snacks, and packed lunches.

During colder periods, he provides sleeping bags, hats, gloves, scarves, thermal garments, and essential supplements to those without shelter.

The BookBike scheme has supported care homes, schools, youth groups, community libraries, hospital wards, and school reading initiatives. It has also managed the Hackney Homeless Book Club and worked with care homes to tackle loneliness.

During the pandemic, the scheme received assistance from the British Library to help maintain access to reading materials while people stayed at home.

Mr Rahman has gained national honours. He has been named an England Football Lionheart and featured on The Russell Howard Hour. He was also included in Sir Captain Tom Moore’s book, 100 Reasons To Hope.

Despite this recognition, Mr Rahman insists the scheme remains deeply personal and rooted in the lessons taught by his father.

The BookBike encourages reading while also highlighting the connection between physical and mental wellbeing. By combining cycling with literature, Mr Rahman promotes both exercise and creativity.

The initiative has grown with support from local communities, schools, and volunteers. Donations now arrive regularly, and activities, collections, and outreach partnerships have become central to how BookBike operates.

Schools have integrated BookBike into their reading schemes, while volunteers help prepare winter distribution packages.

Mr Rahman said as long as stories exist to tell and people need them, the work continues. Thanks to every donor, volunteer, school, writer, neighbour, and supporter who believed in this idea. This success belongs to all of you.

BookBike’s achievement demonstrates how community-led action and collective commitment can create change. The initiative continues to distribute not just books but also food and winter supplies, showing how small acts of kindness can grow into something much larger.