Book Aid International
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.
Book Aid International’s stated vision is:
Book Aid International’s stated mission is:
Book Aid International’s stated values are
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. The 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.
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:
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.
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:
The following countries receive significant donations of books from Book Aid International:
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.
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Wikipedia