QBD Books has been named as the official Books Partner for the 2025 MS Readathon, with the retailer set to leverage its network of 91 stores and its online platform to boost participation and engagement for the 47th edition of the event in August.

Running since 1978, the MS Readathon aims to inspire young Australians to read while raising funds for families affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions.

In the 2024 MS Readathon, participants read a total of 198,490 books and raised $1.3 million. The partnership will include two online book fairs in August, with 15% of the sales being directed to the MS Readathon. The first book fair will target young readers aged 1-7, while the second will be open to all age groups.

QBD Books will also curate specialised booklists for the event. CEO of QBD Books, Nick Croydon, said: "We’re honoured to partner with MS Readathon, an organisation doing vital work to support families across Australia affected by MS and neurological conditions."

"At QBD Books, we believe in the power of stories to inspire, connect, and uplift, as we continue to foster the next generation of book-lovers. Every book purchased helps make a difference, and supporting the MS Readathon brings our community together for a meaningful cause," he said.

The MS Readathon is a collaborative initiative run by MS Queensland, MS Plus, MS SA/NT, and MSWA.

CEO of MS Readathon, David Curd, said: "The MS Readathon has been inspiring kids to read more for 47 years, and this August, we’re thrilled to partner with QBD Books—a bookseller with a nationwide presence and a real passion for getting kids excited about reading. It’s a natural collaboration between one of Australia’s longest-running reading fundraisers and a bookseller committed to sparking young imaginations. With seven million Australians living with a neurological condition, it means that everyone knows someone with a neurological condition. That means every family, kitchen, every home, every staff room, every school, every community group is impacted by these long-term conditions."