Our Core Values
The Library Project’s Core Values ground our programs, the libraries we provide, and the training that we conduct. They guide us through every decision that we make. Take some time to learn more about our Core Values and a few examples of how we put these into practice.
STEAM Education
Girl’s Education
Inclusion & Diversity
Promoting World Peace
Protecting the Environment
Local Publishers & Languages
Teacher Training
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
STEAM Education
The Library Project provides early exposure to engaging and interesting STEAM material, giving children the opportunity to spark their interest in these fields. Our STEAM resources are education-based, so children will always be learning practical knowledge through the items in our libraries. We have books that teach the engineering behind construction vehicles to stories that teach why fruit seeds won’t grow in your belly. By providing access to STEAM resources we give children in rural communities a chance to dive into the world in which they live in a new, fascinating way.
Girls’ Education
Young girls having access to STEAM education is crucial for our future, but it’s especially important for young girls in Asia. We are conscious and selective with the STEAM resources we donate. Our libraries contain STEAM books that show young girls as equals and leaders in STEAM fields. Our books show girls as fitness and nutrition experts, chemists, nurses, doctors, and astronomers. By providing girls equal access to STEAM educational resources, we are able to spark their imaginations at an early age and give them exposure to STEAM to help improve their confidence in the field.
Inclusion & Diversity
We live in a diverse, beautiful world full of challenges that require knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, and bravery. Our mission is to give children access to books that will not only help improve their literacy but help educate them for the future.
Our libraries contain books that promote gender equality, kindness, and bravery. The selected books teach about topics such as science, engineering, and the environment.
Promoting World Peace
We donate books that promote world peace by teaching kindness, friendship, and bravery. One book, in particular, features a blind Little Red Riding Hood who bandages up the wolf bound to eat her. The mean wolf learns the true meaning of kindness, even when he didn’t deserve it. We also have books that show children what it looks like to be kind to family members. We hope that the more kindness we show to children, the kinder our world will be in the future.
Protecting the Environment
Our books about the environment are engaging and interesting. They inspire children to interact with the world around them in a respectful way. Our books also empower children by educating them with facts, giving them the confidence to know they are capable of making positive changes for our environment.
Local Publishers & Languages
We donate 100% local language children’s books. This makes reading more natural, fun, and engaging for children. Local language books are familiar and inviting, which encourages children to read more often. The books we donate are always published in the working country. Our libraries contain a majority of local authors and illustrators. We strive not only to provide children access to great books but to support local artists and publishers in the process. Further, it is valuable when children see authors and illustrators with names like their own. It’s a subtle reminder that if they wish to be artists, they can succeed just like others in their own country.
Teacher Training
Teachers are important, and for that reason, The Library Project provides a comprehensive teacher training course at each school we work with. The course provides teachers with ways to use books in their classrooms, how to work with other teachers to use their school library, and educates teachers on how to create a system for their school to allow students to check-out books to read at home. We have found that this training course results in 94% of our libraries being effectively used on a daily-to-weekly basis after the first year.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
The Library Project conducts one-year of monitoring & evaluation at every library that we donate and program that we conduct. Through this reporting, we are able to provide additional training and support when needed. Measuring our results is at the core of all our programs.
Literacy Bags
Literacy Bags provides children with high-quality educational books, enabling the first steps toward building a home library. This initiative is designed to significantly enhance the reading resources available to rural families, fostering a focus on children’s literacy across diverse backgrounds.
We distribute Literacy Bags with the support of local governments, schools, and educators. Integral to this program is the capacity-building training provided to parents and caregivers. Educating them on integrating literacy practices at home is vital for their children’s educational development.
Quality Children's Books
Hand-picked local language and age-appropriate children’s books.
STEAM Education
Books focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths.
Home Libraries
A home library for children to learn, grow and explore the world.
Inclusive Programming
Libraries that promote equality and female empowerment.
Training for Parents
All parents receive comprehensive online children's literacy 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.
Support for Parents, Monitoring, and Evaluation
The Library Project provides comprehensive training for parents at each literacy bag donation. We see this as essential to every donation.
Our parent training course focuses on properly managing a new home library and ensuring it stays in good condition. It provides parents with ways to use books in their homes and educates them on creating a literacy system for their children to read at home.
Where We Donate Literacy Bags
The Home
Recognizing the importance of the home environment in a child’s literacy development, The Library Project offers Literacy Bags to families. These resources encourage reading and learning at home, focusing on engaging children and their parents. We provide training for parents to effectively utilize these materials and foster a supportive reading culture at home. By empowering parents with the tools and knowledge to support their children’s education, we help create a positive and proactive learning environment. Our initiative ensures that learning continues beyond school and community settings, reinforcing the importance of literacy in everyday life.
Orphanages
Orphanages face unique challenges in providing consistent educational opportunities for children. The Library Project addresses this by donating Literacy Bags filled with high-quality books in the local language and conducting literacy programs tailored to the needs of these settings. We also provide training for administrators to ensure the sustainable use of the libraries and encourage reading among the children. Through our efforts, we strive to create a nurturing learning environment that supports children’s educational and emotional development in orphanages.
Elementary Schools, Kindergartens & Community Centers
In most cases, The Library Project partners with elementary Schools, kindergartens, and community centers to distribute Literacy Bags to students and families. Because of these strong partners, we can keep our program costs low.
Reading Corners
Reading Corners equips each classroom with a dedicated selection of high-quality STEAM books covering Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. By situating libraries directly within the classroom, we ensure that students and teachers have effortless access to essential resources.
These specialized libraries empower teachers by providing supplementary materials that enhance their lesson plans. Similarly, students benefit from the convenience of accessing books right at their desks—whether during breaks, before school, or after classes. The presence of a classroom library grants students immediate access to compelling and educational books in their language. This setup supports independent learning and intellectual curiosity and fosters a lasting enthusiasm for reading. Through Reading Corners, we aim to ignite students’ passions and broaden their academic horizons in critical STEAM disciplines.
Beautiful Libraries
Child-safe, colorful shelving, creating a comfortable space for students.
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 Corners
Rural Elementary Schools
The Library Project partners with rural elementary schools to provide essential educational resources through Reading Corner 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 Corner. 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 Corners 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.
Reading Rooms
Reading Rooms are designed to transform the learning environment in rural elementary schools by providing access to high-quality educational resources. These vibrant spaces have colorful tables, chairs, and bookshelves, creating a welcoming and “child-friendly” area that enhances the educational experience.
In these Reading Rooms, students have access to a curated selection of engaging children’s books specifically chosen to spark their imagination and foster a love of reading. These books entertain and promote independent learning, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong passion for reading. We aim to inspire a new generation of readers and thinkers in underserved communities by integrating Reading Rooms into schools.
Beautiful Libraries
Child-safe, colorful furniture, creating a comfortable space for students.
Quality Children's Books
1,000+ 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.
TLP Communication Kit
Marketing, Communication & Event Kit
The Library Project relies on the support of thousands of people every year, from local media that tell our story to those who host fundraising events throughout the world. Below is a large ZIP file filled with logos, photos, our most recent Annual Report, presentations, and many other items.
If you have any questions regarding our TLP Communication Kit, please contact us with any questions.
Thank you in advance for all of your support.
Careers
Organization Impact
- 2 million children impacted
- 40,000 teachers trained
- 3,000 schools reached
- 100 government partners
- 20 Years Experience
At The Library Project, empowering communities begins with access to quality education and resources. Our mission to improve literacy and educational opportunities in underserved regions would not be possible without the dedicated individuals who bring their passion, skills, and commitment to our team. Whether you're seeking a fulfilling career, an enriching internship, or a meaningful volunteer experience, we offer a range of opportunities that allow you to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and communities in need.
Joining The Library Project means becoming part of a global movement to transform education and foster a love of learning. We are looking for people who are driven by purpose and eager to contribute their unique talents to a cause that truly matters.
Available Careers, Internships & Volunteering
Title: Partnership Manager
Location: Xi’an, China
Direct Manager: China Country Director
Department: Partnerships Department
Eligibility: The candidate must be a Chinese national or have the right to work in China
SUMMARY OF ROLE:
The Partnership Manager at The Library Project will play a crucial role in driving the organization’s fundraising efforts, particularly in cultivating and managing relationships with corporate donors. The role involves developing and implementing fundraising strategies, preparing and delivering compelling proposals and presentations, collaborating closely with the marketing and communications team, and monitoring and reporting on fundraising progress. This position requires frequent travel throughout China to engage with key stakeholders and secure the necessary funding to support The Library Project’s mission.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Develop and Implement Partnership Strategies
- Create and execute partnership strategies aligning with organizational goals focusing on corporate donors.
- Identify and explore new corporate donors’ funding sources to diversify income streams.
- Set and achieve annual fundraising targets to support The Library Project’s mission.
Cultivate and Manage Donor Relationships
- Build and sustain long-term relationships with corporate donors.
- Actively engage potential donors to establish new funding partnerships.
- Ensure donors receive regular updates and recognition to maintain their support.
Prepare and Deliver Proposals and Presentations
- Develop tailored proposals that align with the interests of corporate donors.
- Craft and deliver impactful presentations communicating The Library Project’s mission and success stories.
- Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant data and insights for proposals.
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications
- Work with the marketing team to develop fundraising materials that resonate with potential donors.
- Ensure all communications effectively showcase the impact of donations on The Library Project’s initiatives.
- Support the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns in collaboration with marketing.
Monitor and Report on Partnership Progress
- Track the performance of fundraising activities and provide regular updates to management.
- Analyze data to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make necessary adjustments.
- Prepare transparent and detailed reports for internal review and donor accountability.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must have 3-5 years of professional experience in fundraising, business development, or a related field. A strong command of written and spoken Chinese and English is essential. Experience working with corporate donors is highly desirable.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are passionate about joining The Library Project to info@library-project.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Title: Marketing & Communications Manager
Location: Xi’an, China
Direct Manager: China Country Director
Department: Partnerships Department
Eligibility: The candidate must be a Chinese national or have the right to work in China
SUMMARY OF ROLE:
The Marketing & Communications Manager at The Library Project will play a vital role in enhancing the organization’s visibility, supporting fundraising efforts, and ensuring consistent and impactful communication across all platforms. This role involves developing and implementing marketing strategies, managing digital and social media presence, creating and overseeing marketing materials, collaborating with the fundraising team, and engaging with media to promote The Library Project’s mission. The position requires frequent travel throughout China and close collaboration with partnership and program teams.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Develop and Implement Marketing Strategies
- Design and execute comprehensive marketing strategies to increase The Library Project’s visibility and support fundraising efforts.
- Align marketing strategies with organizational goals, focusing on engaging corporate donors and international schools.
- Regularly review and adjust strategies to optimize outreach and impact.
Manage Digital and Social Media Presence
- Oversee The Library Project’s social media channels, ensuring consistent, engaging, and mission-aligned content.
- Develop and implement content calendars for social media platforms and the website.
- Monitor and analyze digital engagement metrics to refine and improve online presence.
Create and Oversee Marketing Materials
- Produce high-quality marketing materials, including brochures, newsletters, and annual reports, that effectively communicate The Library Project’s mission.
- Ensure all materials maintain brand consistency and resonate with key audiences.
- Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant data and stories for inclusion in marketing content.
Collaborate with Partnerships Team
- Work closely with the fundraising team to develop targeted marketing materials that support partnership initiatives.
- Provide marketing and communications support for donor events and campaigns.
- Ensure that all messaging and materials highlight the impact of donations and encourage donor engagement.
Public Relations and Media Engagement
- Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets to secure coverage of The Library Project’s initiatives.
- Write and distribute press releases and other media content to promote the organization’s work.
- Coordinate media interviews and prepare spokespersons with key talking points.
Monitor and Report on Marketing Performance
- Track and analyze the performance of marketing and communication activities.
- Provide regular reports to senior management, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.
- Use data and feedback to continually optimize marketing strategies and campaigns.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must have 3-5 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or a related field. A strong command of written and spoken Chinese and English is essential. Experience working with corporates is highly desirable.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are passionate about joining The Library Project to info@library-project.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Title: Intern
Location: Xi’an, China
Direct Manager: China Country Director
Eligibility: The candidate must be a Chinese national or have the right to work in China
SUMMARY OF THE ROLE:
The Library Project is seeking motivated and passionate interns to join our team in Xi’an, China. This paid internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy and educational opportunities in underserved communities. Internships typically last between 3-6 months and are designed to align with the intern’s major, allowing them to contribute to projects that complement their field of study.
Interns will work closely with our team on various initiatives, including marketing, fundraising, program management, and more, depending on their area of focus. This role offers valuable experience in a dynamic environment, with opportunities to make a real impact while developing professional skills.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please send your CV, a cover letter, and details about your field of study to info@library-project.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Title: Volunteer
Location: Xi’an, China
Direct Manager: China Country Director
Eligibility: The candidate must be a Chinese national or have the right to work in China
SUMMARY OF THE ROLE:
The Library Project is looking for dedicated volunteers to join our team in Xi’an, China. Volunteering with us provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to our mission of improving literacy and educational opportunities in underserved communities. Volunteers will work alongside our staff on various projects, such as organizing events, supporting fundraising efforts, assisting with program management, and more.
This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about education and community service, and who want to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Volunteers will gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and be part of a team that is committed to creating a lasting impact.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please send your CV and a brief statement of interest to info@library-project.org. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!
Where We Work
Our goal is simple: to ensure every child, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to read, learn, and grow. Together, we’ve built over 8,000 libraries, donated 2 million books, and helped 1 million children discover the joy of reading.
We focus our support where it can make the greatest impact, reaching children in rural schools, urban schools, homes, community centers, and orphanages. Across these diverse learning environments, our programs bring books, libraries, and literacy support to children who need it most.
Communities We Serve
- Rural Schools
- Urban Schools
- The Home
- Community Centers
- Orphanages
- Where We Work
- Future Growth (2026-2028)
Communities We Serve
We strengthen children’s literacy across a variety of learning environments by partnering with the communities that need it most. Our programs reach rural schools, urban schools, homes, orphanages, and community centers, ensuring children have access to books, learning spaces, and opportunities to read, learn, and grow.
Rural Schools
The Library Project partners with rural schools to provide essential educational resources through library 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 libraries. 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.
Urban Schools
The Library Project partners with urban schools to expand access to quality educational resources and support students in fast-growing, high-density communities. Many urban schools face overcrowded classrooms, limited library collections, and inconsistent access to age-appropriate books. Our library donations provide vibrant, well-resourced spaces filled with high-quality books in the local language, helping students strengthen their reading and learning skills. We complement these libraries with children’s literacy programs and ongoing teacher training to support effective reading instruction and sustained impact. By addressing resource gaps in underserved urban neighborhoods, we help ensure that every child has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive, regardless of where they live.
The Home
Recognizing the importance of the home environment in a child’s literacy development, The Library Project offers Literacy Bags and STEAM Boxes to families. These resources encourage reading and learning at home, focusing on engaging children and their parents. We provide training for parents to effectively utilize these materials and foster a supportive reading culture at home. By empowering parents with the tools and knowledge to support their children’s education, we help create a positive and proactive learning environment. Our initiative ensures that learning continues beyond school and community settings, reinforcing the importance of literacy in everyday life.
Community Centers
Community centers in urban areas are pivotal in our mission to enhance literacy and educational opportunities. The Library Project donates libraries filled with diverse educational books to these centers, ensuring they are available to children and families. We conduct literacy programs and administrator training to maximize the impact of our donations and foster a culture of reading. These centers often serve as safe havens for children, offering a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. By integrating our resources and programs, we support community centers in becoming hubs of knowledge and inspiration.
Orphanages
Orphanages face unique challenges in providing consistent educational opportunities for children. The Library Project addresses this by donating libraries filled with high-quality books in the local language and conducting literacy programs tailored to the needs of these settings. We also provide training for administrators to ensure the sustainable use of the libraries and encourage reading among the children. Through our efforts, we strive to create a nurturing learning environment that supports children’s educational and emotional development in orphanages.
Marginalized Children & Youth
Many children and youth face significant barriers that limit their access to education, including poverty, migration, unstable living situations, health challenges, or emergency circumstances. These barriers often disrupt schooling, weaken foundational literacy skills, and make it difficult for children to stay enrolled or return to the classroom.
The Library Project provides support classes and remedial reading programs that give students extra time, encouragement, and resources to strengthen early literacy. Our work also involves parents and caregivers, helping ensure learning continues at home and within the community. By creating safe, encouraging environments and focusing on foundational reading skills, we help children rebuild confidence, reconnect with education, and move toward a brighter, more stable future.
Our Impact
Since 2006, The Library Project has donated thousands of libraries, millions of books, and supported homes and classrooms across multiple countries, improving literacy for over one million children. Working with local nonprofits, schools, and governments ensures our programs are sustainable, community-led, and built for lasting impact.
1,489,000 Children Benefited
We have impacted one million children through our education programs.
1,485 Reading Rooms
A safe space for children to learn, grow, and explore the world.
6,711 Reading Corners
Provides students and teachers easy access to a classroom library.
4,800 Children's Literacy Bags
A home library for children to learn, grow and explore the world.
2,345,000 Books Donated
Inclusive books focusing on STEAM education and literature.
45,000 Teachers Trained
A comprehensive training course for teachers and administrators.
2,896 Schools Impacted
We consider every school that we work with a partner.
9 Countries
We work throughout the world improving children's literacy.
Newsletter
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Our Work
Organization Impact
- 2 million children impacted
- 40,000 teachers trained
- 3,000 schools reached
- 100 government partners
- 20 Years Experience
Access to books, skilled teachers, and engaged families remain major barriers in rural communities. Many children attend schools without libraries, where learning resources are limited and reading is often difficult to sustain. At home, limited materials, time, and support can leave learning gaps that persist into adulthood.
The Library Project addresses this at its roots. We build libraries, advance literacy, and support teachers and parents — creating an interconnected ecosystem where children not only learn to read, but grow in curiosity, confidence, and opportunity.
We Build Beautiful Libraries
We transform unused school spaces into vibrant, child-friendly libraries filled with books, tables, chairs, and shelving. From full Reading Rooms to classroom Reading Corners and take-home Literacy Bags, each library brings learning to life and gives every child the chance to explore and dream.
We Promote Children’s Literacy
Access to books is just the beginning. Our literacy programs help children develop the skills and confidence to read and learn for life. Through engaging reading activities, book distribution, and ongoing support, we help students grow into curious, capable readers who see education as an opportunity.
We Support Teachers & Parents
Teachers and parents are at the heart of every library. We train educators to inspire young readers and provide parents with tools to support reading at home. Together, they create the nurturing environments where children’s literacy thrives.
Where We Work
At The Library Project, we’re dedicated to improving children’s literacy in communities where access to books and learning resources is limited. We work with schools, community centers, and local partners to build libraries, provide teacher training, and support family reading at home.
Our goal is simple: to ensure every child, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to read, learn, and grow.
- Where We Work
- Future Growth (2026-2028)
Measuring Our Impact
This report provides an overview of our post-assessment of 165 rural elementary schools. The Monitoring and Evaluation Team of The Library Project conducted this assessment. Through the analysis of weighted questions, the report demonstrates the overall performance of the 165 libraries. We hope this report will help you gain a better understanding of the daily hard work carried out by the teachers and administration at each of our schools.
Overall Performance
Library Frequency of Usage
Teachers Guide Students with Book Selection
Checkout Records
Number of Books Students Read Annually
Overall Performance
In terms of the daily management of a school’s library, 99% of schools open their libraries daily to weekly, and 78% of schools conduct book classification and registration, which is an area that we would like to see improved.
Regarding creating a reading culture within the school, 95% of teachers provide guidance for students to choose books from their libraries. Furthermore, 93% of students have read more than 11 books from their libraries during the current year, an improvement from 90% in the prior year.
15% of schools conduct weekly reading activities, which is our worst-performing indicator, although this result is not unexpected. Improving literacy and reading awareness is a slow process, and to compound the challenge, teachers rarely have any time left to hold additional class activities.
Answers to Six Weighted Questions
Library Frequency of Usage
Of the six weighted questions, the most important is the frequency of library usage. As shown in the figure, 79% of the schools open their library and let students read books every day, 20% of schools open their library every week, and 1% open their library monthly. These are beautiful results.
Our goal is to have library usage daily and weekly. The results indicate that we have hit this goal. The single location that has a monthly schedule is not a school but a youth service center. For that reason, a monthly opening is more realistic for their situation.
We find that there are three daily opening modes. The first is when a librarian or senior student opens a Reading Room during lunchtime. A small number of schools open their Reading Room the entire day because most schools do not have a full-time librarian. The second mode is when the schools have Reading Corners, and because they are unlocked and located in each classroom, it encourages students to read books at any time. The third mode is when the school has a Reading Room, and teachers bring a selection of books into their classrooms for the students to read.
How often does the library open?
Teachers Guide Students with Book Selection
95% of teachers guide students on book selection. Although there are various ways for teachers to help students select books, the most common way is for the teacher to recommend related works according to the subject they are learning. Students then read the books in their Reading Room or classroom or borrow them to read at home.
Some librarians also set up small blackboards in the school library to recommend good books to all students. For example, Mr. Lou Ying, a librarian in Ruixi Town Central Primary School, Guizhou Province, has three small blackboards in his library, one of which is specifically for book recommendations.
Do teachers guide students with book selection?
Checkout Records
86% of schools have kept checkout records. Large schools do better than small and medium-sized schools because library management rules in large schools have been in place for years. We also found that students in 78% of large schools are active participants in their library management (the ratio of small and medium schools is 55.4% and 70.9%, respectively), which we believe contributes to a higher book checkout rate.
There are many reasons why a school might not keep checkout records, such as being understaffed, the demographic of the students having special needs, or teachers believing the students are too young to take books home safely. In these cases, we overwhelmingly see students being allowed to read books at the schools but not bringing books home for after-school reading activities.
Do schools keep checkout records?
Number of Books Students Read Annually
94% of students read ten or more books annually, on average a little less than one book a month, and 50% read more than twenty books annually.
Students from 6.1% of schools read less than ten books per year. These schools generally have unique circumstances, such as their students have special needs. These schools range from youth service centers to disabled children’s learning centers.