Enriching education

Without books, education suffers

Well-stocked school libraries filled with age-appropriate, carefully chosen books help teachers teach and children learn.  

Yet in many of the communities where we work, few schools have well-equipped libraries. Even at university level, institutions often lack the budget to provide essential reading materials. 

As a result, learners of all ages are left without the resources that could support their education. This is especially difficult in the early years, when pupils may be expected to learn to read with only a textbook—or even just the words written on a chalkboard. 

Supporting school libraries

We know that libraries run by skilled teacher-librarians nurture literacy and help students grow into confident learners. That’s why we partner with schools and communities to create and sustain vibrant libraries at every level of education. 

Last year, we supplied books to 2,065 school libraries. Each collection was carefully selected in line with or partners’ requests, ranging from picture books for the youngest readers to revision guides for secondary school students preparing for exams.

Beyond primary and secondary schools, we also provide thousands of books for higher and further education libraries. Last year, we delivered books to 323 higher and further education libraries worldwide, helping equip graduates to become tomorrow’s leaders.  

Establishing new school libraries

As well as providing books, we also work with our partners to establish new school libraries and train teachers and librarians to run them.

Discovery Book Boxes create mini-libraries that travel wherever lessons are held, while Explorer Libraries transform empty classrooms into thriving hubs of learning by supplying 2,500 books.

Through our Inspiring Readers programme, we establish new school libraries stocked with brand-new books, support schools with funding for nationally published titles and connect teachers with nearby Children’s Corners to expand the resources available to them.  

And our Books to Go programme extends this support into the home, establishing classroom-based lending libraries that encourage families to read together.