Book Aid International
Every purchase of our Book Aid International Book Token helps the charity share the power of books with people around the world who would otherwise have few books, or even no books at all.
Other ways we support reading
Book Aid International's vision is a world where everyone has the opportunity to read.
The charity works with its partners worldwide to provide over one million brand-new books to readers every year, to establish libraries and to train teachers and librarians in how to encourage reading. In an average year, 21.2 million people have access to books provided by Book Aid International.
Almost all the books Book Aid International provides are donated by publishers in the UK, and every book sent is carefully selected in line with the charity’s partners’ requests. Book Aid International also funds the purchase of thousands of nationally published books every year.
Every book is a bridge away from inequality and towards a fairer, brighter future – and it costs just £2 to send the next brand-new book. To find out more about Book Aid International visit bookaid.org.
Find out more
"I watched as an air raid destroyed our library"
Book Aid International works to create access to books for readers who are living with or fleeing war. In Ukraine, the charity is working with PEN Ukraine to help restock libraries which have been damaged in the war – with 25,000 books provided so far.
The books the charity provides mean everything to readers like Tetiana. A library worker, she watched as the library she loved was bombed. Today, they’ve re-opened the library in a rented space and continue to serve readers despite power cuts and regular air raids.
Tetiana explained the power of books in her community saying:
"After the full-scale war, people turned to us more for books. In February 2022, people would come in saying, “I’m so anxious; give me something calming to read”. So I would recommend love stories, for example. Or youth literature—like Anne of Green Gables or Pollyanna.
Compared to before the war, demand for books in English has grown significantly. We need more books in English by the most popular contemporary authors. Requests have been made for romantic comedies, detective stories, fantasy, and books based on movies. Readers now have options, and that’s wonderful!"
Photo credit: SKozliuk2024
Read Tetiana's story"I read for fun and it takes away my sadness."
More than two thirds of the books that Book Aid International provides are for children and young people. They stock the shelves of thousands of school and public libraries – and for millions of young people like 15 year old Esther from Malawi, they offer the only chance to read.
Esther lives in a rural community where girls' educations are not always prioritised, but Esther is determined to succeed in school. The books Book Aid International provides are helping her realise her ambitions:
"When I grow up, I want to be a doctor because I want to help sick people. My favourite subject in school is Science and Technology. Going to school and using the library will help me become a doctor, get employed and make money for me and my family. I read once or twice a day. I read here at school and at home. I know many things from books and I really like the fact that coming to school brings me closer to my dreams."
Photo credit: ThokoChikondi
"Books help us improve and update our medical knowledge"
Every year, Book Aid International provides tens of thousands of brand-new medical texts to healthcare providers and health educators. With access to digital resources limited by unreliable internet and medical texts too expensive for many institutions to purchase, these books provide an invaluable source of up-to-date medical information.
Dr Amal is the Deputy Medical Director and the Head of the Newborn Unit at the Edna Adan University Hospital in Somaliland. She explained the difference these books make:
"Our health system has been destroyed by the civil war and we’re still working on rebuilding that infrastructure. Our health system has been improving. More doctors and nurses and medical personnel are being trained and graduating yearly.
We are very grateful for the books we received. I believe that these helped us train and teach a lot of our students in the university, as well as doctors, to improve and update our medical knowledge. And I believe that with such resources we will reach the optimum goals in providing the best health services.
Books give people power. Knowledge is power. The more knowledgeable you are, the freer you are and the more you’re able to do for your community."
Photo credit: Mustafa Saeed
Supporting reading for everyone
We believe that everyone should have access to the books they want and need, and we're committed to encouraging and supporting reading for pleasure. That's why we work with literacy charities, organisations, and prizes, and invest in high street bookshops.
Who we work withSo far you've helped send 10,000 new books to people who need them!
Every time you buy one of our special Book Aid International charity gift cards, the charity receives 1% of its value.
Thanks to your support, we've given more than £20,000 to Book Aid International. That’s enough to send 10,000 brand-new books.
Want to get involved? You can help send the next book by fundraising, donating or buying our special gift card in your local bookshop or online.
Your gift will help Book Aid International reach more readers like Tetiana, Esther and Dr Amal.
Buy our charity gift card
