Promoting reading in communities
In places where books are rare, we spread the word about the power of reading and provide books that will ignite excitement about reading.
The value of reading isn’t always obvious
If you’ve never had the chance to read, it’s easy to underestimate the benefits books can have and the doors it can open up.
That’s why we work with partners in places where there has never been a library, supporting projects and events that show just how powerful books can be.
Working with partners to promote reading
Across Africa, we give grants to innovative partners through our Community Reading Award scheme. Winners so far have ranged from a mobile bicycle library in Uganda to a book club for young women in Kenya.
And, through our Reading Promotion programme, we’re increasing our support to help our partners build the case for books in their communities.
The programme provides a grant for partners to run an event encouraging people to visit their local libraries as well as marketing support for each partner – enabling them to fly the flag for reading.
Creating inspiring book collections
Children and adults are far more likely to fall in love with reading if they can access a rich and varied collection of books.
That’s why we’re increasing our work with publishers in the UK and around the world to expand the range of books we provide.
And it’s why we’re increasing the funding we provide worldwide so our partners can buy books locally, based on what people in their communities are asking for.
Inspiring book collections are vital to our partners, because with more books to share, it’s more likely that readers will the perfect book and begin a life-time of reading.
Related SDGs:
SDG 4
Quality Education
Our impact
12
Countries hosted Reading Promotion activities last year
2,865
People took part in Reading Promotion activities last year
230,714
invested in purchasing local books since 2017
136,725
Local books purchased since 2017
Why community reading matters
Books give people the power to change their lives for the better and build a more equal world. Below you can meet a few of the readers who are putting the books in their communities to good use.
Voices from Syria
In February, devastating earthquakes rocked Syria and Turkey. When the time comes, we stand ready to restock reading spaces that have been destroyed – because for students like Ahmed, education can’t wait.
Lighting up young minds
Daniel is a student in a small school in Kanyera Village in Malawi. With the new books and solar lights available, he is able to read at home at night with the support of his grandma.
An opportunity to read
Rosemary has always loved books. It’s this love that has led her to her role in her school library alongside teaching, and it’s what she believes is the key to a bright future.
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.
Expanding 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.
A 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.
Life in a girls school in Ghana
Read why Monica is glad her school library is full of carefully selected books.
Learning something new
Libraries can be the only way many readers access books. That’s why readers like Tinotenda value their local libraries so much.
Books, bumps and babies
Jane reads to her unborn baby in a mother and baby unit in Kenya. Read why she believes it’s important for both mother and baby.