At Penguin Random House, we believe books can change lives. A book can ignite curiosity, open doors to new perspectives, and provide opportunities that may have once seemed out of reach. Books are a gateway to greatness – yet the reality for many people in the UK and beyond is a lack of access to literature. Research from UNESCO revealed that millions of adults worldwide lack essential literacy skills, and 250 million children struggle developing basic reading and writing abilities.  

That’s why we’re committed to supporting book donation initiatives, like our partnership with Book Aid International, to help break down these barriers and ensure more people in underserved communities can experience the joy and empowerment reading can bring. 

As Social Impact Executive at Penguin Random House, my role is about ensuring access to books and reading is truly equitable. Growing up, many of my own books came second-hand, shaping my world in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Reading helped me carve out my own place in a world where emotions, empathy and connection sometimes felt unclear. While we are often shaped by our immediate environment, we can also be limited by it. Books are amazing at expanding our horizons, giving us the courage to challenge, and showing us the world not just as it is, but what it could be. 

Our donations include both children’s and adult books, in order to support literacy from an early age while also providing reading materials for adults who may want to seek new knowledge or simply read for pleasure.

In addition to book donations, we’re dedicated to nurturing literacy through a range of social impact initiatives. From introducing more authors of colour to the curriculum through our Lit in Colour campaign, ensuring every primary school in the UK has a dedicated reading space through World of Stories, or opening up access routes for underrepresented writers through WriteNow, we use our platform to create meaningful change.

Our goal is to ensure everyone, regardless of their background, can find a book that connects with them and has the opportunity to read. We are proud to do this in part by joining with organisations who share our mission and understand the communities they serve, like Book Aid International. We want to create lasting impact by strengthening networks, supporting literacy initiatives, and ensuring that books don’t just reach people once, but remain a lasting resource. 

By working with Book Aid International, we hope to continue donating books that spark change, knowing that the opportunities for growth, learning and connection are invaluable – and essential for all. 

 We encourage you to learn more about Penguin’s social impact initiatives and explore the incredible work Book Aid International does to bring books and knowledge to those who need it most. 

A huge thank you to Book Aid International for their continued partnership! 

We’d like to say a big thank you to Penguin Random House for their continued support. Their book donations are changing lives around the world.

Photos (c) Penguin Random House/INEZA Foundation

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