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 2018, an estimated 25 million people read the books which Book Aid International provided.
History
Book Aid International was founded in 1954 by The Rt Hon. Hermione, Countess of Ranfurly, after she moved to the Bahamas with her husband, The 6th Earl of Ranfurly, an Ulster-Scots nobleman who was Governor of the Bahamas. Upon touring the islands, Lady Ranfurly was shocked at the lack of reading materials available. In response, Lady Ranfurly founded the Ranfurly Out Island Library service to provide books in the Bahamas. Over the years, she expanded her work throughout the Commonwealth of Nations 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 Royal 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. It 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, who replaced Clive Nettleton. In 2014, Lord Boateng became the charity’s Chair.
Current work
In 2018, Book Aid International sent more books than ever before - just under 1.3 million - to 25 countries. The charity's website also details a number of programmes designed to train librarians and teachers as well as to create and support school libraries. These include:
The charity is entering the final year of its , in which it committed to supporting the people who face the greatest barriers to reading and learning.
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:
