Books are powerful
Books transform how people see themselves and the world around them. But millions of people live without books. We’re here to change that.
We see the power of books every day.
It’s a library opening in a rural community – and a girl finding the story that makes her dreams seem achievable. It’s a family fleeing war finding refuge in a great story – and feeling normal again, if only for a few minutes. It’s a midwife learning a new technique from the latest medical textbook – and using her new knowledge to save a mother’s life.
It’s a path to building a more equal future.
A single book can transform dozens of lives – offering joy, inspiration and hope. It can be taken anywhere, without Wi-Fi or a charger. Wherever you are in the world, a book can fire you up to work for a better tomorrow.
Books are powerful. So we share the power of books and help people worldwide build a more equal future.
How do books help people build a more equal future?
A book might seem like a small thing in the battle against inequality. But we see every day how books can spark a transformation.
Books help learning thrive
Learning changes forever when classrooms and school libraries are fully stocked with brand-new books. Teachers can elevate their lessons. Learning to read becomes much easier. And a very different future feels more achievable.
Books create opportunities
When books are within reach, a world of possibilities opens up. Books unlock new ideas. They help people think in new ways. They reveal new careers and opportunities – and provide the knowledge people need to seize them.
Books restore hope
In the midst of a conflict or the aftermath of a disaster, books provide an invaluable sense of normality. They can help people escape into a story and feel a glimmer of hope – instead of feeling overwhelmed by trauma.
Books inspire confidence
There’s no limit to what you can find in the pages of a book. Self-belief. New ideas. A sense of connection. Books can help people feel more confident and believe their ambitions truly are achievable.
This is the power of books
Books help people build a more equal future. Here are three readers who have done just that.
Iryna in Ukraine
It’s exciting that English books are starting to appear in ordinary libraries.
Tamala Phiri in Zambia
Books that spark the joy of reading are the best gift anyone could give a child.
Simkasa in Malawi
We don’t read just for school, we read for life.
Dr Amal Farah Adan in Somaliland
Books help us improve and update our medical knowledge.
Anastasia in Ukraine
Mostly we take children’s books from the library. We read fairy tales and other stories before bed.
Tetiana in Ukraine
I watched from my window as an air raid destroyed our library.
Nessrine in Lebanon
I like the books that show them there is a different world out there.
Caroline in Kenya
I see an opportunity for my one-year-old to start loving books early.
Esther in Malawi
I read for fun and it takes away my sadness.