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 mattes
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.
Finding peace in books
Habiba fled Afghanistan alone with her two children. Now books are helping her build a new future.
“Rhoda doesn’t have to be blind to the world, like I am”
Hear how one mother is determined for her daughter to have a future different to her own.
“Reading has made me somebody”
Eletina dreams of being an Oncologist when she’s older, and the brand new books in her library are helping her to achieve that dream.
Books for frontline workers in Malawi
Richard knows first-hand that the healthcare system in Malawi is hit with a lot of challenges.
Escaping civil war
Mayol is a refugee. He dreams of returning home and building peace in South Sudan – and books in his school are helping him get there.
Education and activism
Following a career as a nurse-midwife, Edna turned her attention to training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
A Syrian childhood
Omar lives with his family in Syria. Civillians there live under the constant threat, but books offer Omar an escape.
Reading behind bars
For the past two years, Mohamed has been the librarian in charge a prison library filled with brand new books.
A child’s right to education
Meet Alfred, a parent and teacher who sees daily how brand-new books impact the lives of his students.