Transforming the world’s book markets and bringing books to every child

Literacy is a basic right that empowers individuals and benefits society. In recognition of this central role in development, the Global Book Alliance was founded to guarantee that children everywhere have the learning materials they need to learn to read by 2030. This ambitious vision demands market-based transformation in book development, procurement, distribution, and use—a flexible and iterative process we call the Book Chain.

Global Book Alliance is a partnership of donors, multilateral agencies, and non-government organizations whose vision is a world in which all children have access to quality books that they can use to learn to read, read to learn, and develop a love of reading. 

 

Books Promote Self-Reliance

Illiteracy costs the world $1.19 trillion per year. It contributes to poor health, lost earnings and lost business productivity. Widespread access to books at home and in school promotes better performance in math, science, and other subjects. A love of books and reading also improves the health and wellbeing of individuals and families, opens up employment opportunities, and mitigates the chances that youth will pursue criminal or violent activities. UNESCO, the World Bank, and the International Commission for Financing Global Educational Opportunity have all called for the increased provision of books to improve learning.

Despite this, millions of children do not have access to the books necessary to help them learn to read.

 
 
 

Closing the Book Gap

An effective supply of books requires high-quality title development in languages and formats children can use and understand, access to those titles by printers and publishers, and a functioning supply chain to deliver books to their potential readers.

Global Book Alliance strengthens key stakeholders and processes along a series of interconnected events we call the book chain.


Literacy Resources

 
 
 

The Global Book Alliance is a partnership of donor agencies, multilateral institutions, and civil society organizations that are committed to bringing books to every child. GBA’s flagship initiatives leverage the resources, expertise, and convening capabilities of Alliance members towards innovative and high impact collaborative efforts.

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