Cambodia
Our Programs and Results
The Library Project began working in Cambodia by partnering with local nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving children’s literacy. Together, we have donated two Reading Rooms, providing access to high-quality, age-appropriate books and welcoming spaces for learning. These libraries have impacted more than 600 students, giving them the tools and encouragement to develop strong reading habits and a love for learning.
Each Reading Room was created in close collaboration with local educators and community partners to ensure the libraries meet the unique needs of Cambodian students. By working through established literacy organizations, The Library Project strengthens local capacity and supports long-term sustainability within the communities we serve.
Education System
Education in Cambodia is divided into three main stages: primary, secondary, and higher education. Over the past two decades, the Cambodian government and its partners have made significant progress in expanding access to education. Primary school enrollment rates have increased substantially, and literacy rates among young people have improved.
However, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas. Many schools lack sufficient books, trained teachers, and adequate facilities to support student learning. According to UNESCO, less than half of Cambodian primary schools have functional libraries, and the quality of reading materials is often limited.
The Library Project’s work in Cambodia helps close this gap by providing well-equipped libraries, training teachers to promote literacy, and supporting local organizations that share our mission of ensuring every child has access to quality education and the joy of reading.
Hong Kong
Supporting Literacy Where It Matters Most
The Library Project is a registered nonprofit organization in Hong Kong, and all donations made locally are tax-deductible. Our work in Hong Kong focuses on increasing access to books and empowering both teachers and parents to build a strong foundation for children’s literacy.
We partner with local literacy-focused nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups to implement Book Donations, deliver Teacher Training, and provide Parent Support Programs. Together, we strengthen reading culture in elementary schools and homes, creating learning environments where children can develop the confidence, curiosity, and skills to thrive.
Our Programs in Hong Kong
Book Donations
We donate high-quality, age-appropriate books to elementary schools that need additional reading materials. These books expand existing collections, encourage curiosity, and make reading a joyful part of every school day.
Teacher Training
We support educators through workshops and hands-on training that help them integrate literacy into daily lessons and inspire students to read more independently and enthusiastically.
Parent Support
We believe that reading at home reinforces learning at school. Our parent engagement programs provide simple, practical tools that help caregivers nurture children’s reading habits in a supportive home environment.
Where We Work
Our work in Hong Kong focuses on elementary schools and families, particularly in communities where access to diverse, high-quality reading materials is limited. By working alongside local partners, we ensure that every program we deliver is tailored to the needs of the schools and families we serve.
United States
Building Literacy, One Book at a Time
The Library Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. All donations made in the United States are tax deductible. Our programs across the country focus on increasing access to books, supporting teachers, and engaging parents to create a culture of reading both at school and at home.
We partner with local literacy-focused nonprofit organizations to identify communities and schools most in need of resources. Together, we implement Book Donations, provide Teacher Training, and offer Parent Support Programs that encourage reading as a shared family activity. Whether in a rural classroom or an urban community center, our goal is the same — to help children discover the joy of reading and develop the literacy skills they need to succeed.
Our Programs in the United States
Book Donations
We provide new, high-quality books to schools and community programs that already have libraries but need additional reading materials. These donations refresh collections, expand access to diverse stories, and help teachers connect students with books that inspire learning and imagination.
Teacher Training
We equip educators with the tools and confidence to integrate literacy into daily lessons and inspire a love of reading in every student. Training focuses on practical strategies that can be adapted for classrooms of all sizes and levels.
Parent Support
We believe that reading at home reinforces reading at school. Our family literacy initiatives offer parents and caregivers simple ways to create supportive reading environments, even in homes with limited resources.
Where We Work
The Library Project supports both rural and urban schools throughout the United States, with a focus on communities where access to quality reading materials remains limited. From small towns to large cities, our programs are designed to meet local needs and build lasting partnerships that strengthen literacy nationwide.
Book Donations
Even the best libraries need to grow. Through our Book Donations, The Library Project provides additional, high-quality books to schools that already have libraries but lack the resources to keep their collections current. These donations refresh existing shelves with new titles that reflect children’s interests and align with their educational needs.
By expanding the variety and relevance of books available, we help teachers and students continue to engage with reading in meaningful ways. Every book donation strengthens a school’s ability to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Book Content Core Values
A meticulously curated selection of children's books.
Quality Children's Books
Local language and age-appropriate children’s books.
STEAM Education
Books focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths.
Inclusive Programming
Libraries that promote equality and female empowerment.
Teacher Training
All schools receive comprehensive in-person and online teacher training.
Monitoring & Evaluation
94% of our libraries are used on a daily-to-weekly basis after the first year.
Our Book Content Core Values
Our book content core values guide everything we do at The Library Project. They shape the libraries we build, the literacy programs we deliver, and the training we provide to teachers and parents. Each book we select reflects these values, helping children explore diverse ideas, think critically, and discover the joy of reading.
Our Core Values
- STEAM Education – Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
- Inclusion & Diversity – Promoting empathy and understanding by celebrating different cultures, abilities, and perspectives.
- Protecting the Environment – Inspiring children to value and care for the natural world around them.
- Girls’ Education – Supporting gender equality and empowering girls through access to education and knowledge.
- Promoting World Peace – Encouraging kindness, cooperation, and global awareness through the stories children read.
- Nurturing the Heart & Mind – Building emotional intelligence and compassion alongside intellectual growth.
Children’s Literacy Programs
Once a library is established, it becomes crucial to introduce students to the enriching world of books. The primary goal of our literacy programs is straightforward: ignite a passion for reading among children. These programs are also designed to educate teachers and administrators on the best practices for engaging children with their new library resources.
Our literacy programs focus on engagement, training, and sustainability. We create an enthusiastic atmosphere by making reading an exciting activity and encouraging children to explore their new library from day one. We also recognize the crucial role of educators in this process, equipping them with the skills and techniques needed to maintain this excitement and engagement, ensuring that the libraries remain active in the educational environment.
Our literacy programs are integral to why our libraries achieve immediate use and continue to be a vital resource in fostering literacy and enhancing educational outcomes.
Teacher Training & Ongoing Support
At The Library Project, we recognize the critical role educators play in the success of our libraries. We offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure that teachers and administrators are well-equipped to make the most of the resources provided.
Our approach includes librarian training, on-site training, online training, and ongoing support. This multifaceted strategy allows us to address various needs and preferences, ensuring that every educator receives the guidance and tools necessary to manage their new school’s library well.
Through these comprehensive training and support initiatives, The Library Project ensures that educators are prepared and continually supported in their efforts to foster a culture of reading and learning in their schools. This holistic approach enhances the effectiveness of our library donations and maximizes their impact on students’ educational journeys.
Where We Donate Reading Rooms
Rural Elementary Schools
The Library Project partners with rural elementary schools to provide essential educational resources through Reading Room donations. These libraries are stocked with high-quality, age-appropriate books in the local language to improve reading proficiency. Our initiatives also include children’s literacy programs and teacher training to enhance the educational experience and ensure sustainable use of the Reading Room. We aim to bridge the resource gap for students in these remote areas by addressing the need for educational materials. Our efforts ensure every child has access to the tools needed for a quality education.
Community Centers, Orphanages, and Children’s Hospitals
The Library Project donates Reading Rooms to community centers, orphanages, and children’s hospitals, enhancing literacy and education. We provide libraries with educational books, conduct literacy programs, and offer administrator training to ensure sustainable use and foster a reading culture. These initiatives create supportive environments that aid children’s educational and emotional development. By integrating our resources into these institutions, we offer essential support to children and families, promoting knowledge, inspiration, and well-being.
Teachers & Parents
Introduction
A library filled with books is powerful, but it needs champions. Teachers and parents are the bridge between access and lifelong literacy. When educators are equipped and caregivers are supported, children flourish in reading, learning, and growth. On this page, we explore the challenges teachers and parents face, show how The Library Project works with them, and invite you to partner in their journey.
Teacher Training & Support
Teachers are the gatekeepers of literacy; the ones who bring books to life and help students become confident readers. In rural contexts, many teachers face large class sizes, limited materials, weak access to ongoing professional development, and isolation from peer networks.
At The Library Project, our Teacher Training program provides workshops, classroom coaching, and mentoring to build teacher capacity in guided reading, book handling, and creating a print-rich environment. We focus on practical methods: read-aloud strategies, small-group reading, book selection, and literacy integration across subjects. Our trainings are contextualized to rural realities so teachers can apply them immediately in their classrooms.
Because we know that learning is continuous, we also offer refresher sessions, peer learning circles, and monitoring visits to ensure quality and sustainability. By investing in teachers, we increase the likelihood that libraries become vibrant places of reading, not unused book repositories.
Parent & Family Support
Many rural families face serious barriers when it comes to supporting their children’s literacy journey. Parents often contend with low literacy themselves, limited time (due to agricultural or labor burdens), scarce reading materials at home, poor infrastructure (electricity, lighting), and digital divides that make accessing resources difficult. In rural areas, lack of access to education and transport further compounds this, keeping families isolated from support systems. 
A study on rural literacy programs notes that while reading programs in schools can raise performance, lasting gains depend heavily on community and parental engagement, for instance, through reading dialogues at home or simple print materials shared with caregivers. 
As UNESCO puts it: “Disparities based on location and household wealth are more pronounced … rural and poorer families experience greater disadvantages.” 
To address these challenges, The Library Project supports parents through family reading workshops, simple reading guides, take-home materials (to accompany our Literacy Bags), and community events. These efforts help caregivers grow confidence in reading with children, even when their own education was limited. Over time, we aim to transform homes into literate environments that reinforce what children learn at school.
Partnership & Synergy
Teachers + Parents + Libraries
Teachers and parents working in tandem is where real, sustainable literacy takes root. Libraries provide the resources and space, teachers bring those books to life, and parents reinforce the habit of reading at home. When these components align, children benefit most.
Our model includes built-in collaboration: teacher trainings help educators communicate effectively with parents; parent engagement programs share simple reading strategies that complement classroom instruction.
By strengthening both sides of the literacy ecosystem, we create momentum. A child who reads at school, receives encouragement at home, and sees books at hand is more likely to grow into a lifelong reader, making the library’s investment pay off across generations.
Global Literacy Partnerships
We also work beyond our core program countries through Global Literacy Partnerships. By partnering with NGOs, schools, and governments worldwide, we adapt teacher training and parent support models to local languages, curricula, and contexts. Each country’s literacy challenges differ, from multilingual settings to policy constraints, and we collaborate with local experts to ensure relevance and lasting impact.
Literacy
Opening the Door to Opportunity
Literacy changes everything. It helps children learn, connect, and dream beyond the classroom. Yet for millions of children around the world, learning to read remains out of reach. At The Library Project, we believe that literacy is more than a skill; it’s a human right and the foundation for a brighter future.
The Challenge
In many rural communities, children attend schools with few or no books. According to the World Bank, seven in ten children in low- and middle-income countries cannot read and understand a simple text by age ten. Without early access to reading materials or guided instruction, many students fall behind, limiting their ability to learn across all subjects.
The challenge goes beyond access. Teachers often lack training and resources to teach reading effectively, and many parents don’t have the tools to support learning at home. This creates a cycle where children struggle to build literacy skills, even when they are eager to learn.
Our Approach
The libraries we build solve the challenge of access, giving children a place to explore books and discover the joy of reading. But our commitment goes further. We strengthen literacy through children’s reading programs, teacher training, and parent engagement.
By training teachers, we ensure libraries are not just rooms filled with books but dynamic learning spaces led by skilled educators. Teachers are the gatekeepers of every library; their ability to inspire students turns access into achievement. Meanwhile, by supporting parents, we help create literate homes, environments where children see reading as part of daily life.
Our approach connects classrooms, libraries, and families to ensure that literacy becomes a community value, not just a school goal.
Building a Culture of Reading
When children have access to books, teachers have the tools to teach, and parents have the confidence to support them, literacy flourishes. Through our ongoing programs, we cultivate reading habits that last a lifetime. Each book, activity, and training session builds toward a shared goal: helping children not only learn to read, but love to read.
You can learn more about how we measure and sustain these outcomes in our Our Impact and Measuring Our Impact pages.
Global Literacy Partnerships
Our commitment to literacy extends beyond our program countries. Through Global Literacy Partnerships, we collaborate with organizations around the world to build libraries, share resources, and adapt programs to local contexts. Each country faces unique challenges, from language diversity to curriculum differences, and we work alongside partners to ensure our shared goal of children’s literacy fits each community’s needs.
Libraries
Building Spaces for Learning
Libraries open doors to possibility. For many children in rural communities, a library is the first place they’ve ever had access to books. It’s more than shelves and stories; it’s a space where curiosity grows, creativity is encouraged, and a love of learning begins.
At The Library Project, we build libraries that meet children and communities where they are. Each library we create is designed to inspire reading, strengthen education, and support teachers and parents in nurturing lifelong learners.
Why Libraries Matter
Around the world, millions of children attend schools with no access to books or safe, dedicated spaces to read. According to UNESCO, literacy is “the foundation for lifelong learning,” yet in many low- and middle-income countries, seven in ten children cannot read and understand a simple story by age ten (World Bank, 2022).
Libraries make learning possible. They provide essential reading materials, encourage exploration, and empower teachers to make reading part of everyday classroom life. By investing in libraries, we’re investing in stronger schools, confident readers, and thriving communities.
Our Library Types
Every community is different, and so is every library we build. From full Reading Rooms to compact Reading Corners and take-home Literacy Bags, each library is designed to meet children and teachers where they are, creating spaces that make reading accessible, joyful, and sustainable.
Reading Rooms
Reading Rooms transform existing school spaces into bright, inviting libraries filled with books, tables, chairs, and shelving designed for children. Working with local education departments, we repurpose unused classrooms into inspiring learning spaces that serve the entire school.
Reading Corners
Reading Corners bring books directly into classrooms and community centers, giving children and teachers access to diverse, high-quality titles. Each Reading Corner creates a welcoming place where children can explore, learn, and grow every day.
Book Donations
Book Donations strengthen existing school libraries by providing new, high-quality books that keep collections fresh and engaging. Each donation helps students discover new stories, explore new ideas, and continue their journey as lifelong readers.
Literacy Bags
Literacy Bags give children their very own collection of books to take home; their first personal library. Distributed through schools and local partners, these bags help families build a reading culture that continues beyond the classroom.
Our Book Content Core Values
Our book content core values guide everything we do at The Library Project. They shape the libraries we build, the literacy programs we deliver, and the training we provide to teachers and parents. Each book we select reflects these values, helping children explore diverse ideas, think critically, and discover the joy of reading.
Our Core Values
- STEAM Education – Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
- Inclusion & Diversity – Promoting empathy and understanding by celebrating different cultures, abilities, and perspectives.
- Protecting the Environment – Inspiring children to value and care for the natural world around them.
- Girls’ Education – Supporting gender equality and empowering girls through access to education and knowledge.
- Promoting World Peace – Encouraging kindness, cooperation, and global awareness through the stories children read.
- Nurturing the Heart & Mind – Building emotional intelligence and compassion alongside intellectual growth.
We Build Libraries. We Inspire Readers. We Empower Communities.
Together, we’ve built over 3,000 libraries, donated 2 million books, and helped 1 million children discover the joy of reading. For nearly two decades, The Library Project has opened doors to education for children in rural communities. Where books were once scarce, libraries now thrive, filled with stories that spark imagination.
Join Our Newsletter
Twenty Years of Impact
For two decades, The Library Project has built libraries, donated books, trained teachers, and inspired young readers. Our programs have transformed education for one million children — and we are just getting started.
1,489,000
Children Impacted
45,795
Teachers Trained
2,345,000
Books Donated
8,196
Libraries Donated
News & Updates
Each library opens doors to imagination, knowledge, and opportunity for children in underserved communities.
Teacher Training
Introduction
At The Library Project, we recognize the critical role educators play in the success of our libraries. We offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure that teachers and administrators are well-equipped to make the most of the resources provided.
Librarian Training
We provide a specialized librarian training course tailored for teachers and administrators who manage their school’s library. This course covers essential aspects such as:
- Library Maintenance: Teaching the best practices for caring for books and library facilities.
- Utilization in Teaching: How to effectively use library books in the classroom setting to enhance lesson plans.
- Staff Involvement: Strategies to involve the entire teaching staff in maintaining and utilizing the library resources.
On-site Training
Our on-site training sessions bring practical skills and theoretical knowledge to life, tailored specifically for teachers who will conduct children’s reading lessons. Key components include:
- Skill Development: Focus on cultivating children’s interests and independent reading skills.
- Practical Implementation: Hands-on training that helps teachers integrate these new skills into their everyday teaching.
Online Training
To provide continuous professional support, we offer:
- Accessible Online Resources: Regular online video training sessions are available to teachers across all program regions.
- Focused Training Modules: These modules cover reading skills, teaching methods, and text analysis, directly linking with teachers’ daily activities.
Ongoing Supports
We foster a supportive community through:
- Digital Communication Platforms: Using tools like Tencent QQ and WeChat, we create groups for school librarians, principals, and teachers to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration.
- Problem-Solving: These platforms allow teachers to share challenges and receive advice from experienced staff and external experts, ensuring they have the support needed to overcome obstacles in library management and reading instruction.
Through these comprehensive training and support initiatives, The Library Project ensures that educators are prepared and continually supported in their efforts to foster a culture of reading and learning in their schools. This holistic approach enhances the effectiveness of our library donations and maximizes their impact on students’ educational journeys.
Our Books
A Comprehensive Booklist Promoting Children’s Literacy
At The Library Project, we are committed to fostering children’s literacy through a meticulously curated selection of books. Our book selection process is guided by the “full nutritional reading” principle, ensuring that each booklist is tailored to suit the developmental needs of the children it serves.
Principles of Selection
Our selection criteria are based on a deep understanding of children’s reading ages, psychological features, and knowledge structures. We ensure that the books we choose are rich in content and resonate positively with children, encompassing a wide variety of subjects presented in a scientifically balanced proportion.
Special Focus on Vulnerable Groups
Recognizing the unique needs of left-behind children, we have increased the number of books addressing key topics such as children’s psychology, protection, and health. These books are selected to provide support and guidance, helping to bridge the gap in access to critical information and emotional support for these children.
Goals of the Booklist
Our comprehensive booklist aims to:
- Enhance Emotional Development: By featuring books that are positive in emotion, we help nurture a healthy psychological outlook among young readers.
- Expand Knowledge Horizons: The variety of subjects helps broaden children’s understanding of the world.
- Enhance STEAM Education: Books are carefully chosen to cultivate curiosity and a robust scientific temperament, emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
Through our efforts in compiling this booklist, The Library Project seeks to empower children with the tools they need to thrive academically and personally, promoting a lifelong love of reading and continuous learning.
Graded Book List
The Graded Book List facilitates book management and usage by aligning with students’ reading levels. Books are color-coded according to their grade level, simplifying students’ ability to select and borrow appropriate books as needed independently. This system enhances accessibility and fosters autonomous reading among students.
Our Book Content Core Values
The core values guiding the content of our books are fundamental to The Library Project. These values shape the libraries we establish, the programs we offer, and the training we conduct. Each decision we make is informed by these principles, ensuring our efforts align with our mission to enhance education and enrich lives.
These core values ensure that our libraries are more than just collections of books—they are dynamic resources that foster critical thinking, empathy, and a commitment to positive global citizenship.
STEAM Education
We prioritize books that advance knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, equipping young minds with the skills necessary for future innovation.
Girls’ Education
We are committed to empowering girls through education, providing books that inspire confidence and emphasize the importance of girls’ academic achievements.
Inclusion & Diversity
Our selection reflects diverse perspectives and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and understanding across different cultures and communities.
Promoting World Peace
Our collections foster understanding and cooperation among young readers, highlighting peace as a fundamental value.
Environmental Protection
We include books emphasizing environmental awareness and sustainability, encouraging the next generation to be stewards of our planet.
Nurturing the Heart & Mind
Books promoting children’s mental well-being offer a curated collection of stories designed to nurture emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a positive mindset in children.
STEAM Education
We prioritize books that advance knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, equipping young minds with the skills necessary for future innovation.
Inclusion & Diversity
Our selection reflects diverse perspectives and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and understanding across different cultures and communities.
Environmental Protection
We include books emphasizing environmental awareness and sustainability, encouraging the next generation to be stewards of our planet.
Girls' Education
We are committed to empowering girls through education, providing books that inspire confidence and emphasize the importance of girls’ academic achievements.
Promoting World Peace
Our collections foster understanding and cooperation among young readers, highlighting peace as a fundamental value.
Nurturing the Heart & Mind
Books promoting children’s mental well-being offer a curated collection of stories designed to nurture emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a positive mindset in children.
