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 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.[1]

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.[2]

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.[3][4]

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.[5]

In 2014, the organisation celebrated its 60th anniversary.[6] Since 2012, it has been directed by Alison Tweed (maiden name Hubert), who replaced Clive Nettleton.[7] In 2014, the charity Lord Paul Boateng became the charity’s Chair.[8]

Current work

In 2016, Book Aid International sent 1,032,610 to 3,583 libraries in 14 countries.[9]

Major book donors

Book Aid International is supported by many publishers who donate books to the charity which Book Aid International then sends onto libraries overseas. The charity only donates new books.

Major book donors include:

Countries of operation

The following countries receive significant donations of books from Book Aid International:

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.[10] 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.[11]

Notes

  1. ↑ "Book Aid International | Home page". Book Aid International. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  2. ↑ "Our history - Book Aid International". Book Aid International. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  3. ↑ "Prince Philip to retire from public engagements". BBC News. 2017-05-04. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  4. ↑ "Book Aid International thanks His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh for 51 years of support - Book Aid International". Book Aid International. 2017-05-04. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  5. ↑ "Charity Details". beta.charitycommission.gov.uk. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  6. ↑ "London Book Fair Book Aid International Celebrates 60 years" (PDF).
  7. ↑ "Alison Hubert joins Book Aid International". Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  8. ↑ "Lord Boateng new chair of Book Aid International | The Bookseller". www.thebookseller.com. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  9. ↑ "Annual Reviews - Book Aid International". Book Aid International. 2016-04-18. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  10. ↑ Ribeiro, Celina (8 September 2008). "Book Aid International launches new strategy and fundraising campaign". Professional Fundraising. Retrieved 27 January 2009.
  11. ↑ official site Archived January 9, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.

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.
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