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
5,129
People took part in Reading Promotion activities last year
302,662
invested in purchasing local books since 2017
182,972
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.
Hope for his daughter’s future
Parents like Davidson are seeing how books can transform their children’s education, opening doors for the future. This is his story.
Helping Justin become a lawyer
Justin is a refugee with ambitions plans. Find out how books are helping him make his dream a reality.
A better life through books
Sharon grew up in an informal community at the edge of Nairobi. Despite the challenges she faced, she knows the power books and perseverance can truly have.
Moving books to far places
Rogers grew up with no books and went on to found his own library – including a bicycle library. This is his story.
Ever seen a four-legged library?
Secret weapons (with humps) are helping desert communities in Somaliland to read brand new books.
Reading to fulfil dreams
In 2016 Emmanuel travelled from South Sudan to the Rhino Refugee Camp in Uganda and has been working hard to achieve his goals ever since. This is his story.
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.