As well as helping to meet immediate needs, we are committed to supporting local publishing. In 1996 Book Aid International provided 738,951 books to meet requests from teachers, librarians, academics, development workers and other professionals in 65 countries.
Libraries play a crucial role in countries where books are scarce.
A central aim of Book Aid International is to work in partnership with libraries to help them to sustain and develop their services. In Kenya library development is now led by local communities. If they provide a building, the Kenya National Library Service will give books, training and cover annual running costs. Two new libraries have already opened and three more are planned - most of the books will have been provided by Book Aid International. We also provide over 3,000 books each year to the Solomon Islands where the National Library is the key source of book supply.