Children in a Reading tent in Kenya

Book Aid International increases access to books to support literacy, education and development in sub-Saharan Africa.

Who we are
We are an independent international NGO with over 50 years experience and a leader in the field of book provision to the developing world. We provide around half a million books to sub-Saharan Africa every year through our partners. They include national libraries, schools, prisons, refugee camps and NGOs. As well as books donated from our south London warehouse, we provide support in the form of training, grants for purchasing books locally, and advice and support to ensure that the books we provide are well used and targeted to the right groups of people.

We work with a wide range of partners in 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.  Every year over half a million books from Book Aid International arrive in national libraries, local and regional libraries, community libraries, schools, prisons, refugee camps, NGO resource centres – and more!  Practically all the books we provide are brand new and donated by UK publishers.  We carefully select the books and send those which most closely match local need.

Womens Reading Club member, Malawi

Books Change Lives

In sub-Saharan Africa 151 million people are illiterate; 62% of them are women. 72 million children still do not go to school, and most people simply cannot afford books of their own. But without literacy people are not able to access education or healthcare, take advantage of opportunities for employment, or participate in social, economic and political decisions which affect their lives.

“I read about Dr Martin Luther King Jnr.  My life changed after I read his life history. I learned that all people really are equal regardless of their tribe, race, religion or skin colour. It made me learn not to give up on something difficult, even if I face words of criticism.”  Francesco, Zambia

Books are a crucial resource in sub-Saharan Africa. They are vital for quality education; they raise literacy levels, provide information and underpin development. We believe literacy is a fundamental human right. Our work is vital because books really do change lives.

Supporting Book Aid International

If you would like to support our work regularily why not join our Reverse Book Club.  You pay £5 a month, and we send you... nothing at all! Instead we will send four carefully selected books to readers of all ages in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

To find out about the Reverse Book Club and other ways you can support Book Aid International visit www.bookaid.org