Read all about it: Red Funnel launches book exchange at Hi-Speed ferry terminals

Red Funnel has launched a book exchange initiative¸ just in time for National Read A Book Day on 6th September and ahead of next month’s annual Isle of Wight Literary Festival (9-12 October, Northwood House, Cowes). 

The idea came from one of the operator’s Hi-Speed Cabin Attendants, who pitched it through Red Funnel’s First-Class Ideas programme, which provides a space for Red Funnel team members to share ideas across all subjects. 

For those keen to take a book from the Read Funnel Library but don’t have one to leave, customers are invited to make a small donation via collection tubs and contactless machines to support Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Red Funnel is especially welcoming children’s books to keep young readers entertained.

Fran Collins, CEO for Red Funnel said: “We love seeing creative ideas like this come from our team. We hope our customers enjoy the new ‘Read Funnel’ library; whether it sparks inspiration, adds a touch of adventure, or simply offers a relaxing moment with a good book. The Isle of Wight has remarkable connections to some of the most influential literary figures in English history, so the book exchange is also a lovely nod to this rich heritage.”

Briming with literary history, the Isle of Wight has connections to prominent figures like Lord Tennyson, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. Tennyson notably resided at Farringford and composed some of his most famous works there. Dickens, too, had a strong association with the island, spending holidays in Shanklin and Ventnor and inspiring a new walking trail. Austen is reported to have thought of the Isle of Wight as ‘The Island’ and was a regular visitor. 
The Read Funnel Library also ties in to the ferry operator’s ESG strategy, Changing Tides, which underscores its commitment to fostering community spirit.

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For further information, please contact [email protected] / 02380 382 970

Notes to editors
About Red Funnel
Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry company with roots tracing back to 1820. Based in the UK port of Southampton, Red Funnel carries 2.3m passengers and over 800,000 vehicles on its ferry route between the UK port of Southampton and East Cowes and 1.1m passengers between Southampton and West Cowes on its Red Jet Hi-Speed service.  

In addition to ferry travel, Red Funnel is the only cross-Solent operator to offer ferry inclusive bonded holiday accommodation, attraction tickets, festival and event tickets and activity packages. Sub-brands include ‘Red Jet’ (the Hi-Speed passenger only ferry service serving West Cowes) and its on board café, ‘ReFuel’.  

The Company is a founding member of Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, the Island’s not for profit destination management organisation. Red Funnel is also proud to sponsor and support most of the Island’s premier events including the IW Festival, Cowes Week, Wight Proms, and Walk the Wight alongside a wide range of other community and niche interest events. 

Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year, 2025, is Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance  

For more information, visit www.redfunnel.co.uk