​​Children’s Corners

By creating welcoming spaces for children in libraries, Children’s Corners help young readers discover the power of books. 

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Libraries should light up imaginations 

In many communities worldwide, public libraries are the only places where children can discover books. Often schools have just a few textbooks for pupils to share, and books are a luxury out of reach for many families.   

But what if those libraries don’t have dedicated children’s areas, or only have a few dated books for young readers? And what if librarians don’t feel confident to support children or recommend the books that will keep them inspired?

It means children’s chances are held back from the start. Many will never discover the joy and power of reading.

How Children’s Corners support young readers

Our Children’s Corner projects create areas in libraries especially for children and young people.

As well as providing at least 2,500 brand new children’s books, we give grants so that our partners can refurbish library spaces. It means our local partners can create unique Children’s Corners especially for their community, each one bursting with colour.

We provide funds so our partners can buy books locally too, and run in-depth training courses to help librarians and volunteers build their skills to support the youngest readers. The training covers everything from library management to encouraging children to develop a lifelong love of reading.

 

SDG 4

Quality Education

SDG 10

Reduced inequality

Impact since 2010

157

Children’s Corners opened

570

Librarians trained

3,610,512

Estimated child visits to Children’s Corners

A space for Cynthia

Cynthia lives in one of Africa’s largest slum areas. She shares a crowded, dark room with her siblings and she has no books at home – but she does have a Children’s Corner. And she loves to read.

Everything in the library is now very nice. I feel happy when I come to the library because I am able to read many interesting books in a beautiful place that feels like heaven

Cynthia, Kenya

What each Children’s Corner delivers

  • A beautiful, bright reading space for children   
  • Librarians develop the skills and confidence to help children read more
  • A collection of UK donated and locally purchased books
  • The chance for hundreds of children to discover the magic of reading

Fund this project

It costs £11,600 to create the next Children’s Corner. If you’d like to help, please get in touch:

Find out more about our charity

Our mission and vision

Our vision is a world where everyone has access to books that will enrich, improve and change their lives.

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Our finances

At Book Aid International all the income we receive is from voluntary donations – we receive no government grants.

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