Introducing The Bookery | Bringing the school library to life

Описание: Libraries are important for any school. They are quiet, safe places where children can study, improve their literacy and pick up a love of reading. The access to books helps children to grow their knowledge, creativity and understanding of the world.

Despite these benefits, at least 85% of government schools in South Africa do not have functional libraries. This shortage is most keenly felt in poor communities, where there are few quiet and stable learning environments, and where most homes do not have books.

To address this problem, The Bookery has committed to work with schools and partners to provide and support sustainable, functional libraries in under-resourced South African government schools.

Our vision is to create a model that government and other organisations can adopt and develop to give all learners in South Africa access to this valuable resource of learning.

Our experience

Started in 2010 as part of Equal Education (https://equaleducation.org.za) and becoming an NPO in 2013, The Bookery has set up 48 school libraries in South Africa. In 2014 we added a major component to our work that supports the libraries we set up to ensure their sustainability.

How can I get involved?

If you would like to volunteer, you could spend a few hours helping to cover, sort and catalogue books. We also benefit hugely from the expertise that professional librarians and teachers can offer.

If you would like to make a donation, you could support a specific library project and be part of its development.

We also need primary school books (non-fiction and fiction) that are new or in good condition. Quality mother tongue, non-fiction and picture books are the hardest to find.

Contact: [email protected] or +27 (0)21 461 4189

Find out more: http://thebookery.org.za/

Video by Chronicle Digital: http://chronicle.digital/