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Book Aid doubles shipments in 2014
Book Aid International sent more than a million books to African libraries in 2014, almost doubling its distribution figures for 2013.
The charity, which works in partnership with library services in Africa to distribute new books and learning resources, celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. It marked the occasion by very substantially increasing its shipments to African countries, sending a total of 1,003,847 books.
Alison Hubert, director of Book Aid International, said: “We know the real, life-changing difference that books and learning resources can make to people’s lives – some of whom will have never owned a book. We are delighted to have been able to almost double our distribution of books in Africa this year, and we are grateful for the support of UK publishers who have made this possible. This is a perfect way to celebrate our 60th anniversary – by adding to the numbers of people Book Aid International continues to help.”
The books, which are entirely donated by publishers, are delivered to libraries, where children and adults can access the materials. The charity also runs librarian training programmes in Africa so members of the local communities can make the most of the resources. Over the past 60 years, Book Aid International has sent over 31 million books to Africa, and trained hundreds of librarians.
The charity’s current appeal, Open Doors, seeks to open 60 Children's Corners in Africa, where children can access books and learning resources in safe environments. Last month, the People’s Postcode Lottery announced that it would donate £175,000 towards Book Aid International, which the charity will put towards creating Children’s Corners in five libraries in Malawi.
