Our impact
Books give people the power to change their lives for the better and create a more equal future. Every year, we offer the opportunity to read to millions.
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.
We have the greatest impact on three SDGs:
SDG 4: Quality education
Books transform learning. They help teachers teach and bring students closer to their lessons. They lift the quality of education forever. That’s why we work with our partners to create and support school libraries. Since 2017, we’ve established 530 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 2,599 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 561,140 medical books worldwide
Goal 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
A career shaped by books
As head of the library department at Amref International University in Kenya, Dr. Penninah Musangi shares how books have shaped her life and why they are so important to the medical students studying at the university.
Read moreExpanding education with books
Aaron grew up in rural Kenya with little access to books or education. Now a qualified nurse, Aaron is using books to further his studies and meet the needs of his local community.
Read moreA library as a lifeline
The small community library in Lydia’s village is a lifeline for her, but like too many women around the world, her family does not always support her. This is her story.
Read moreMore 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