The Book Havens project explored ways that we could work with our partners to create places where children could read in community run and informal libraries as well as non-library spaces.

We opened 5 Book Havens in slum communities in Nairobi and 5 deprived communities across Ethiopia. We found that these reading spaces in community and non-formal libraries were transformative for young readers. Read more about the impact of Book Havens in Kenya.

Since the pilot, we have taken the key learnings from the Book Havens pilot and used it to evolve and expand our Children’s Corners programme, ensuring that the programme supports all children, wherever they might be.

With thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for funding Book Havens in Ethiopia.