Book Aid International is a UK registered charity which provides books and supports libraries in Africa and around the world. Every year the charity sends around one million brand new books to public and community libraries as well as libraries in prisons, refugee camps, hospitals, schools and universities. The charity works in close partnership with libraries and also helps libraries develop their services through its library support projects and programmes. In 2016, an estimated 29.8 million people read the books which Book Aid International provided.
Video Book Aid International
Mission, vision and values
Book Aid International's stated vision is:
- A world where everyone has access to books that will enrich, improve and change their lives.
Book Aid International's stated mission is:
- To provide books, resources and training to support an environment in which reading for pleasure, study and lifelong learning can flourish.
Book Aid International's stated values are
- Equality of opportunity. Everyone should have the opportunity to read, whatever their circumstances
- Quality. No-one should have to make do with old, out-of-date books which do not meet their needs
- Investment in the future. Capacity building creates long-term-impact
- Collaboration. Working in partnership ensures that the charity's work is effective, responsive and meets communities' real needs
Maps Book Aid International
History
Book Aid International was founded in 1954 by Hermione, Countess of Ranfurly after she moved to the Bahamas with her husband, who was Governor General of the Bahamas. Upon touring the islands, she was shocked at the lack of reading materials available.
In response, she founded the Ranfurly Out Island Library service to provide books in the Bahamas. Over the years, she expanded her work throughout the British Commonwealth and set up an organisation called The Ranfurly Library Service in London. In 1994, the Ranfurly Library Service changed its name to Book Aid International.
In 1966, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh became the charity's patron, and his patronage still continues today despite His Roya Highness' April 2017 retirement from public service.
In 2007 the Department for International Development ended its funding agreement with Book Aid International, requiring them to reduce in staff and countries they work in. It is now entirely funded by a range of trusts, companies and individuals.
In 2014, the organisation celebrated its 60th anniversary. Since 2012, it has been directed by Alison Tweed (maiden name Hubert), who replaced Clive Nettleton. In 2014, the charity Lord Paul Boateng became the charity's Chair.
Current work
In 2016, Book Aid International sent 1,032,610 to 3,583 libraries in 14 countries. The charity is also running several major library development programmes:
- Inspiring Readers creates small libraries in classrooms across Africa. The charity hopes to reach 250,000 African school children by 2020.
- Children's Corners. The charity is creating welcoming spaces for children to read in African libraries. Each participating library receives a brand new collection of children's books, training in how to support young readers and funds to purchase local books and refurbish the children's space. 60 Children's Corners were funded by the charity's Open Doors appeal, which was launched to mark the charity's 60th anniversary in 2014 and over 100 Children's Corners have been opened in total.
- Exploring digital potential. Book Aid International is working to provide print and digital content to libraries so that children can have a new way of reading.
In spring 2017, the charity launched its new Vision for 2020: Where Books Change lives document outlining its plans to reach out to marginalised readers around the world.
Major book donors
Book Aid International is supported by many publishers who donate brand new books to the charity which Book Aid International then sends onto libraries overseas. The charity only donates new books.
Major book donors include:
- Amazon
- Andersen Press
- Baker Books
- Bloomsbury
- The British Library
- Co-ordination Group Publishing
- Cambridge University Press
- CTA
- Harlequin Mills & Boon
- HarperCollins
- Hachette UK
- International African Institute
- Macmillan
- Miles Kelly
- Oxford University Press
- Pearson
- Penguin Random House
- RELX Group
- SAGE Publications
- Walker Books
- Wiley
- Zed Books
Countries of operation
The following countries receive significant donations of books from Book Aid International:
- Cameroon
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Occupied Palestinian Territories
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Tanzania and Zanzibar
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Celebrity support
In 2008 Book Aid International launched a new strategy, 'Books Change Lives', to coincide with International Literacy Day (sept 8th 2008). The charity plans to raise £5m over 3 years to give more books to African countries. The campaign is supported by a number of celebrities: Sebastian Faulks hosted the launch. David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman have all donated signed books to an auction in aid of the event.
Notes
Sources
- Harrity, Sara (2006). "Working in partnership to build knowledge societies". In Steve W. Witt. Changing Roles of NGOs in the Creation, Storage, and Dissemination of Information in Developing Countries. Walter de Gruyter. pp. 45-60. ISBN 3-598-22030-8.
External links
- Official site
- research paper Commissioned by Book Aid International and sponsored by the Commonwealth Foundation
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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