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 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.
Asia
North America
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 & Urban Schools
The Library Project partners with rural and urban schools to expand access to quality educational resources and support children’s literacy. Many schools in underserved communities face limited library collections, overcrowded classrooms, and inconsistent access to age-appropriate books in the local language. Through our library donations, we provide well-resourced reading spaces filled with high-quality, age-appropriate books that help students strengthen their reading and learning skills. We also support schools with children’s literacy programs and teacher training to ensure the libraries are used effectively and sustainably. By addressing resource gaps in both rural and urban communities, we help ensure that every child has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive.
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.
Refugee Camps
The Library Project supports children, youth, and adults living in refugee camps by providing books, literacy programs, and learning resources through local community centers and nonprofit partners. Many refugees experience interrupted education, limited access to reading materials, and few safe spaces for continued learning. Our programs help create opportunities for students and families to strengthen literacy skills, stay connected to education, and build confidence through reading.
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.
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.
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.
Newsletter
Join Our Newsletter
The Library Project sends pictures and updates via our monthly newsletter. It’s the easiest way to stay up-to-date on our progress in improving education. It might be the best email you receive!
Our Work
Organization Impact
- 1 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 Provide Training & Support
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. We also provide free support to literacy organizations worldwide because we believe that no matter where children live, they should have the opportunity to read, learn, and grow.
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.
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.
How many books do students read annually?
Corporate Partnerships
Organization Impact
- 2 million children impacted
- 40,000 teachers trained
- 3,000 schools reached
- 100 government partners
- 20 Years Experience
Over the past twenty years, The Library Project has worked with hundreds of corporate partners to improve rural literacy in Asia. Each partnership begins with our organization listening to the corporation’s needs and crafting a CSR program that fits the company’s culture. This is a big reason why 80% of our revenue came from repeat corporate donors.
Our corporate donors range from FedEx (logistics and transportation) to Urban Soup Kitchen (local restaurant chain), showcasing the diversity of our partners. Each of them uniquely approaches CSR. We will assess your company’s size, industry, history, and locations, then work together to create a program that aligns with your budget and expectations.
Strong Programmatic Results
At The Library Project, measuring our impact is incredibly important. It provides data that enables us to improve our programs continually. We also believe it is essential to communicate our successes and challenges to those who support us. To date, we have impacted over a million children by providing access to libraries in their rural primary schools. The beautiful thing about a school library is it lives; it stays just as relevant from day one as it will ten years into the future. Because of this, new children gain access to these spaces annually, and the total impact a library has on a community grows each year.
Training is critical to the long-term success of a library donation. Teachers at rural primary schools and administrators at orphanages all receive training on managing their new library. This training course marks the beginning of a one-year partnership between The Library Project team, ensuring that every library we donate operates at the highest level. Training is a critical part of every library donation.
It is not enough to provide libraries; it is critical to work directly with the children. We take the necessary time to introduce the children to their new library, discuss with them the importance of reading, and explain how each book serves as a window to another world. At the end of each literacy program, the children understand that this new library will be open to them and that they can check books out for overnight reading. Children are always very excited.
Financial Transparency
The Library Project is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization aiming to make every donated dollar count. We take pride in our financial efficiency, donor accountability, and operational transparency. Through our in-depth Annual Reports, the Library Project is an open book. It is essential to us that all donors and volunteers fully understand how The Library Project utilizes their generous financial contributions and how our libraries benefit the children we support. The Library Project consistently strives for 100% transparency.
Our Partners
Our generous corporate partners are important to The Library Project’s success. They allow us to fulfill our mission and expand our organization.
For a full list of our partners, please click here.
Employee Volunteer Involvement
At The Library Project, we are proud of all our corporate volunteers. Simply put, we could not do what we do without their support. Volunteerism at The Library Project is real work. Your team will leave a library donation tired, happy, and feeling as if they positively impacted the lives of children attending a rural primary school.
Our Partners This Year
Each year, The Library Project collaborates with companies, foundations, schools, and nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to advancing children’s literacy. Their partnership enables us to build libraries, provide books, train teachers, and support families in fostering a culture of reading.
We are proud to recognize the incredible organizations that make our work possible this year. Their generosity and dedication continue to bring the joy of reading to thousands of children in communities that need it most.
Adopt a Library
The Library Project donates libraries to improve children’s literacy. Children gain access to a beautiful school library providing fun and interesting children’s books that spark their imaginations and promote a lifelong love of reading. Having fun educational books that are easily available helps to encourage independent learning, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong passion for reading.
All of our library donations have a teacher training component. This course covers how to properly loan books to students, how to use children’s books in a classroom setting, and how to get the students involved in maintaining their library.
Local language children’s books
We provide a wide range of local language children’s books including history, science, short stories, fairy tales, books for very young readers, children’s dictionaries, children’s reference books, and an assortment of comic books. Each school also receives a full set of children’s encyclopedias for older students. Every book is in full color and of the highest print quality. To acquire our books, we work with various large bookstores’ regional warehouses, online book distributors, and resellers.
Teacher training
The Library Project provides a quality teacher training course. Our teacher training course is created specifically for teachers and administrators to learn how to manage their library. This course covers how to properly care for their library, use the books in a classroom setting, and get the teaching staff involved in maintaining their library.
Why is this important?
Teachers play a vital role. We have discovered that our teacher training course leads to 94% of our libraries being used effectively on a daily to weekly basis after the first year. These results are a source of pride for everyone at The Library Project and motivate us to continue striving toward our goals each day. The Library Project conducts a one-year monitoring and evaluation process, and when schools require additional support, they receive extra training.
Donor volunteer involvement
At The Library Project, we are proud of all our donor volunteers. Simply put, we could not do what we do without their support. Volunteerism at The Library Project is real work. We encourage you to attend your library donation. You will leave a library donation tired, happy, and feeling as if they positively impacted the lives of children attending a rural primary school.
Get your company involved
Over the past twenty years, The Library Project has worked with hundreds of corporate partners to improve rural literacy in Asia. Each partnership begins with our organization listening to the corporation’s needs and crafting a CSR program that fits the company’s culture. This is a big reason why 80% of our revenue came from repeat corporate donors.
To learn more about how you can get your company involved, please click here.
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.
How to Help
Support Children’s Literacy Today
Your support helps us put books into the hands of children who need them most. A one-time donation builds libraries and provides immediate resources for schools and communities. By giving monthly, you create a lasting impact; sustaining teacher training, family literacy programs, and new library projects year-round. You can also join our newsletter to stay connected and see how your support is changing lives, one book at a time.
We Build Meaningful Partnerships
Partnerships are at the heart of our impact. Your company can make a lasting difference by funding libraries, supporting literacy programs, or engaging employees through volunteer activities. From corporate partnerships that align with your CSR goals to opportunities to adopt a library and see your impact firsthand, we work with organizations of all sizes to bring the joy of reading to children and communities in need.
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.
Let's Talk
Our Partners
Our Partners This Year
Each year, The Library Project collaborates with companies, foundations, schools, and nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to advancing children’s literacy. Their partnership enables us to build libraries, provide books, train teachers, and support families in fostering a culture of reading.
We are proud to recognize the incredible organizations that make our work possible this year. Their generosity and dedication continue to bring the joy of reading to thousands of children in communities that need it most.
Over 100 Libraries Donated
Generous donors that provided over one hundred libraries to rural elementary schools.
" The Library Project's ability to support children's literacy is because of our partner network. We are lucky to receive support from a diverse group, from large multinational corporations to local family-owned restaurants. Their dedication to supporting children's literacy is inspiring. "
— Tom Stader. Founder, The Library Project
Our Partners
Generous donors that support children's literacy at rural elementary schools.
Our Programmatic Partners
Government and non-governmental partners. These partnerships allow us to work in communities we support.
Our Story
From two libraries to a global organization for children’s literacy.
The Library Project began in 2006 with a simple goal: to create two libraries for children in need. What started as a small volunteer effort has grown into a global literacy organization that donates books, builds libraries, trains teachers, supports families, and partners with local nonprofits to bring reading opportunities to children around the world.
In the beginning, The Library Project was just an idea shared by a small group of friends who wanted to make a practical difference. That idea took shape in Dalian, China, where two libraries were created for children living in an orphanage and shelter. With donated books, fundraising support from friends and family, and a belief that children deserve spaces filled with learning and possibility, those first libraries became the foundation for everything that followed.
The Library Project began in 2006 with a simple goal: to create two libraries for children in need. What started as a small volunteer effort has grown into a global literacy organization that donates books, builds libraries, trains teachers, supports families, and partners with local nonprofits to bring reading opportunities to children around the world.
Our first library in an orphanage in Dalian, China.
In the beginning, The Library Project was just an idea shared by a small group of friends who wanted to make a practical difference. That idea took shape in Dalian, China, where two libraries were created for children living in an orphanage and shelter. With donated books, fundraising support from friends and family, and a belief that children deserve spaces filled with learning and possibility, those first libraries became the foundation for everything that followed.
What happened next was bigger than anyone expected. Support came quickly, and it became clear that access to books was a challenge in many communities. As The Library Project grew, so did its understanding of what children, teachers, and schools truly needed. A library could not simply be a room with books on shelves. It needed to be welcoming, relevant, well managed, and integrated into a child’s daily learning experience.
That belief helped shape The Library Project’s approach. Over time, the organization expanded beyond traditional library donations to include Reading Rooms, Reading Corners, Children’s Literacy Bags, teacher training, and support for families and caregivers. Each program was built around a simple idea: children are more likely to read when they have access to quality books, encouragement from adults, and spaces that make reading feel engaging and meaningful.
A Reading Room donated to a rural elementary school.
For many years, The Library Project’s work was closely associated with China, where it built a strong track record supporting rural schools and underserved communities. That work remains an important part of the organization’s history and identity. It helped refine the programs, build long-term relationships, and demonstrate that practical, well-designed literacy interventions can create real results for children.
As the organization matured, so did its vision. The Library Project is no longer focused on just one country. Today, it operates in multiple countries and partners with local nonprofit organizations to support literacy programs in the communities it knows best. This global partnership model allows The Library Project to support children in diverse settings while staying grounded in local knowledge, local language, and local leadership.
This evolution reflects one of the most important lessons in The Library Project’s story: lasting impact is strongest when it is built with communities, not simply delivered to them. By working with local partners, schools, teachers, and families, The Library Project helps create programs that are practical, scalable, and rooted in children’s needs.
Children exploring their new school library in rural Vietnam.
Since 2006, The Library Project has grown from two small libraries into an organization that has helped bring books and literacy support to over a million children. Along the way, it has remained committed to a clear mission: improving children’s literacy by increasing access to books, supporting educators, and helping communities create stronger reading cultures.
At its heart, The Library Project is still driven by the same spirit that launched those first two libraries. It is the belief that books matter, that literacy changes lives, and that every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and imagine a better future.
Our story is still being written. With every new library, every donated book, every trained teacher, and every new partnership, The Library Project continues to grow its impact and extend its mission to more children around the world.