Promoting reading in communities

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.