Our impact
Books help people build a more equal future, so we’re committed to sharing the power of books.
Supporting the SDGs
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a blueprint for a better, fairer future – and equal access to information is right at the heart of almost all of them. By sharing the power of books worldwide, we can help turn these goals into a reality. Our Theory of Change outlines how we create access to books around the world, and our Impact Report elaborates on how we help readers build a more positive future.
We have the greatest impact on three SDGs:
SDG 4: Quality education
Books transform learning. They help teachers teach and bring lessons to life. That’s why we work with our partners to create and support school libraries. Since 2017, we’ve established 1,554 brand new libraries.
We also train teachers and librarians to feel more confident running libraries so that they can use books to enrich their classroom lessons and fire children’s imaginations. We’ve trained 3,969 teachers and librarians since 2017.
By helping to improve education, we also help people to break the cycle of poverty – that’s SDG 1 – and reduce inequality – SDG 10.
SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing
In many communities where we work, there are not enough doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, and those who are practising struggle to access up-to-date information.
Every year, we provide tens of thousands of specialist medical books, so students and experienced medics can build their skills and provide the highest level of care.
Since 2016, we’ve provided medical books worldwide
SDG 5: Gender equality
Reading books by and about female role models can help girls see themselves and their world in a whole new light. It can break down stereotypes and open up possibilities.
So, as well as providing carefully selected books to encourage and inspire girls, we include gender issues in our training for partners and we actively seek out partners who focus on gender issues.
We are especially conscious of the needs of women who have been displaced or who live with conflict.
Impact stories
Rebuilding book collections in Ukraine
Iryna her daughter are just two of the many readers benefitting from books provided by our partnership with PEN Ukraine. This her story.
The magic of books
Tamala is a teacher in Zambia and she’s determined to give her students the best start in life. This is her story.
Books for life
Simkasa is one of the young people who live in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. He told us how access to the books in the library is helping him to continue his studies.
Supporting women’s health through books
Dr Amal explains what access to up-to-date books means for her and the women and children she treats in Somaliland.
Reading together in Ukraine
Anastasia is a Ukrainian mum. Thanks to supporters like you, we’ve sent books that she loves to read with her daughter. This is her story.
Restoring libraries in Ukraine
Since 2023, we have been sending brand-new books to libraries in Ukraine. For library worker Tetiana, they are so much more than just words on paper. This is her story.
Books to give hope
Nessrine is a teacher in Beirut, Lebanon. Earlier this year she told us about the difference books were making to the children she teaches.
Growing a lifetime love of reading
At the launch of MYSA’s “Little Hands, Big Steps” project we met Caroline who told us what it will mean for her family. This is her story.
Closer to my dreams
Fifteen-year-old Esther from Malawi believes that books and learning will help her achieve her dreams. This is her story.
More about us
How we select and send books
We work with partners to make sure books that will have the biggest impact go where they are needed most.
Read moreOur mission and vision
Our vision is a world where everyone has access to books that will enrich, improve and change their lives.
Read more